Pl 100 Philosophy and the Human Condition

Study Guide on selections from John Locke’s An Essay On Human Understanding and The Second Treatise of Government : Please read chapter 2,7,8,9,19 beginning on page 124 and 444

1. Summarize information about Locke in the introduction on p. 124.

2.  Does Locke believe the mind is endowed with innate principles? Why? Why Not?

3. Describe the state of nature in Chapter II of the Second Treatise beginning on p. 444,. Give details about the characteristics of the state of nature and the two natural rights in this state.  What is Locke's definition of property?  Look at his example of the acorns.

4. How does Locke define political or civil society in Chapter VII?

5. According to Locke in Chapter VIII, how do men form political societies? What is the “original compact”?

6. What is the chief end (goal) of political society in Chapter IX?

7. According to Locke in Chapter XIX, how and why are governments dissolved?

Prepared by Anne Knop, Senior Associate Professor of Philosophy, Manor College: edited by Frank Farrell, Manor College 2006

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(c) 2000 by Anne Knop.  Only students in Manor College's PL 100 course have permission to make unlimited copies of this page. Others may request permission by e-mail: aknop@manor.edu

(c) Frank Farrell 2006