Locke
1st Edition
Published on 1. October 2013
192 pages
978-1-78074-453-7 (ISBN)
Description
Thought by many to be the quintessential philosopher of the modern age, John Locke's ideas are the key to understanding society and politics in the West. In this accessible introduction, Edward Feser explores Locke's works and looks critically at his legacy. In this, the author argues, we find the origins of many of the conflicts that dominate modern politics.
Reviews / Votes
Graeme Hunter - Professor of Philosophy, Ottawa University, Canada"The book opens the door on Locke's thinking as if on a long dormant factory whose machinery is still gleaming and ready to run...striking and instructive."Fred Miller - Social Philosophy and Policy Center, Bowling Green State University"Edward Feser provides an excellent introduction to the philosophy of John Locke, who 'made a bigger difference to the whole intellectual climate of mankind than anyone since Aristotle' (Gilbert Ryle). Especially illuminating is Feser's account of the relation between Locke's liberal political philosophy and his empiricist epistemology and metaphysics."More details
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Person
Edward Feser is the author of Oneworld's Beginner's Guide to The Philosophy of Mind. He teaches philosophy at Pasadena City College, Pasadena, California, and lives in North Hollywood.
Content
Preface and acknowledgments
System of citations
1. The Quintessential Modern Philosopher
Locke's significance
Locke's life and character
Further reading
2. Locke in Context
The Scholastic tradition
Early modern philosophy and science
The Lockean project
Further reading
3. The Essay Concerning Human Understanding
Character of the work
Against innate notions
The theory of ideas
Perception and the physical world
Substance, essence, and language
Personal identity
Free will
Thinking matter and the existence of God
Knowledge
Conclusion
Further reading
4. The Second Treatise of Government
The Two Treatises in context
The law of nature
Tensions with the Essay
Private property
From the state of nature to civil society
Revolution
Further reading
5. A Letter Concerning Toleration
Further reading
6. Locke's Contestable Legacy
System of citations
1. The Quintessential Modern Philosopher
Locke's significance
Locke's life and character
Further reading
2. Locke in Context
The Scholastic tradition
Early modern philosophy and science
The Lockean project
Further reading
3. The Essay Concerning Human Understanding
Character of the work
Against innate notions
The theory of ideas
Perception and the physical world
Substance, essence, and language
Personal identity
Free will
Thinking matter and the existence of God
Knowledge
Conclusion
Further reading
4. The Second Treatise of Government
The Two Treatises in context
The law of nature
Tensions with the Essay
Private property
From the state of nature to civil society
Revolution
Further reading
5. A Letter Concerning Toleration
Further reading
6. Locke's Contestable Legacy
