Written specifically for students coming to Locke for the first time, Locke on Government is an invaluable guide to his political thought. Much of what has been written on the Second Treatise of Government in the last few decades has taken a ‘history of ideas’ approach; this book focuses on the philosophical aspects of Locke’s work.

The Second Treatise is seen as a defence of violent revolution against Charles II and James II, and D.A.Lloyd Thomas gives special attention to Locke’s radical position. In addition, he considers other fundamental issues of the Second Treatise, such as Locke’s attempt to show how legitimate political authority can be based on consent and his defence of a natural right to private property.

Written with the student in mind, Locke on Government will make an excellent introduction to one of the most important figures in political thought.

The author

D.A.Lloyd Thomas is Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at King’s College London. He is the author of In Defence of Liberalism (1988).