The Mind of John Locke
A Study of Political Theory in its Intellectual Setting

This is a complex study of how Locke's wider interests connected with his political thought.

Ian Harris (Author)

9780521638722, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 20 August 1998

452 pages
22.9 x 15.3 x 2.8 cm, 0.725 kg

'… [an] argument of unusual comprehensiveness, power and sophistication … The Mind of John Locke makes a powerful case for the validity of Harris's chosen approach.' Locke Newsletter

John Locke (1632–1704) is a central figure in the history of thought, and in liberal doctrine especially. This major study brings a range of his wider views to bear upon his political theory. Every political theorist has a vision, a view about the basic features of life and society, as well as technique which mediates this into propositions about politics. Locke's vision spanned questions concerning Christian worship, ethics, political economy, medicine, the human understanding, revealed theology and education. This study shows how the character of these wider concerns informed Two Treatises of Government, especially in respect of a view of divine teleology, and situated a distinctive view of politics which treated the state and the church in parallel terms.

Preface
Preface to the revised edition
Acknowledgements
A note on citations
Introduction
Prelude
1. Order and its values
Part I. A Developing Mind and Locke's Early Politics
2. The problem of church and state
3. Exploring natural law
4 Toleration, church and state
5. A philosophical position and its political origins
Part II. Church and State: 6. From 'An essay concerning Toleration' to the Epistola de Tolerantia
7. The mind of Locke and Two Treatises of Government
Part III: Some Intellectual Consequences of Locke's Political Theory: 8. On natural law and its obligation
9. Theology and conduct in Some Thoughts Concerning Education
10. Reinterpreting Christianity
Conclusion.

Subject Areas: History of ideas [JFCX]