An Approach to Political Philosophy
Locke in Contexts

This book brings together Professor Tully's most original and innovative statements on the political thought of John Locke.

James Tully (Author), Quentin Skinner (General editor)

9780521430609, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 18 March 1993

352 pages
23.5 x 15.5 x 2.5 cm, 0.637 kg

'James Tully's analysis is scholarly in its historical detail, imaginative in its search for meaning, provocatively ambitious in its scope and thoroughly engaging at all levels.' Alsitais Edwards, Journal of Political Studies

An Approach to Political Philosophy: Locke in Context brings together Professor Tully's most important and innovative statements on Locke in a systematic treatment of the latter's thought that is at once contextual and critical. Each essay has been rewritten and expanded for this volume, and each seeks to understand a theme of Locke's political philosophy by interpreting it in light of the complex contexts of early modern European political thought and practice. These historical studies are then used in a variety of ways to gain critical perspectives on the assumptions underlying current debates in political philosophy and the history of political thought. The themes treated include government, toleration, discipline, property, aboriginal rights, individualism, power, labour, self-ownership, community, progress, liberty, participation, and revolution.

Part I. A Philosophy of Limited Government: 1. An introduction to Locke's political philosophy
Part II. Property Disputes: 2. After the Macpherson thesis
3. The framework of natural rights in Locke's analysis of property
4. Differences in the interpretation of Locke on property
5. Rediscovering America: the two treatises and aboriginal rights
Part III. Governing Subjects: 6. Governing conduct: Locke on the reform of thought and behaviour
7. Rights in abilities
8. Progress and scepticism
Part IV. Freedom and Revolution: 9. Liberty and natural law
10. Political freedom.

Subject Areas: History of ideas [JFCX]