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Locke's Contract: would People consent to It?

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  • John T. Bookman

Abstract

. Examination of Locke's theory political obligation suggests some of the difficulties which beset any consent theory. Stress is placed on the need for the state of nature as a real alternative to civil society, if Locke is to maintain that people have consented. It is shown that Locke has precluded a decision to remain in the state of nature and, therefore, people have not consented. This conclusion inspires a reconstruction of Locke's theory wherein people consent hypothetically: they would consent to legitimate government, if they had the opportunity to found government anew. What would they consent to? What are the criteria of legitimate government? The provisions of the Lockeian contract set out and found wanting People, as Locke sees them and living under conditions which he describes, would not consent to his contract.

Suggested Citation

  • John T. Bookman, 1984. "Locke's Contract: would People consent to It?," American Journal of Economics and Sociology, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 43(3), pages 357-368, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ajecsc:v:43:y:1984:i:3:p:357-368
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1536-7150.1984.tb01750.x
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    Cited by:

    1. Alphin Jr., Henry C., 2008. "Two Concepts of Liberty: An Analysis of Berlin's Seminal Essay," MPRA Paper 10039, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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