John Locke

January 27, 2013

First Aired: February 27, 2011

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Philosophy Talk

John Locke

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Thomas Jefferson identified John Locke as one of “the three greatest men that have ever lived, without any exception.” Many debates in modern political theory have their roots in the writings of John Locke, and Locke’s work on other philosophical issues, particularly identity and selfhood, have also influenced generations of philosophers. What was Locke’s influence on contemporary political theory and our understanding of the purpose of government? John and Ken derive their power from the consent of their guest, William Uzgalis from Oregon State University, author of Locke’s Essay Concerning Human Understanding: A Reader’s Guide.

John and Ken begin by discussing the influence of John Locke, whose thoughts inspired the structure of the American government, profoundly affected the philosophy of language, and fiercely advocated the assassination of (certain) kings.

William (“Bill”) Uzgalis joins the conversation. After a few questions about how Bill came to be interested in John Locke, Bill answers a few questions about Locke’s relevance today, then begins to channel, in a sense, the man himself.

Ken asks about the divine right of kings. Did people really believe in it–apparently they did, says Bill. After a bit of chat about Fillmore, John can’t help himself, and he asks our channelled Locke if he really wanted to assassinate a king. This leads our hosts to a discussion of Locke’s contemporary, practical political persuasions.

John asks about Locke’s idea of the state of nature, where people would have lived before the advent of society. Bill/Locke talks about the state of nature as a kind of theoretical litmus test for the legitimacy of a given government, in which something like a golden rule called the “Law of Nature.”

The conversation then turns to what Locke would have thought about politics today. Would Locke have been a feminist? Would he have voted Republican? How would he feel about large corporations? Was he really for slavery? How would he have felt about a war based on tea costs, or even the modern Tea Party?

Roving Philosophical Reporter (Seek to 4:05): Caitlin Esch tells us a bit about Locke’s life: his biography, his assignation plots, his relation to the radical Thomists, and even a bit about people named “John Locke.”

Conundrum (Seek to 41:57): A caller asks if her neighbor is immoral for trying to avoid declaring bankruptcy with some big investment losses and a house in foreclosure. Ken and John discuss some of the finer points of the neighbor’s obligation in the broader context of America’s economic welfare.