# Book I: Of Government explained — Two Treatises of Government

> Chapter companion for Two Treatises of Government by John Locke.

## What happens

Locke begins his critique of Sir Robert Filmer's patriarchal theory of absolute monarchy, arguing that Filmer's claims for Adam's sovereignty by creation, donation, and fatherhood are unfounded. He systematically dismantles Filmer's arguments, exposing the problem of identifying Adam's heir and laying the groundwork for his own political philosophy based on natural rights and consent.

## Themes in this chapter

### Critique of Patriarchalism and Divine Right

Locke systematically refutes Filmer's patriarchal theory that political power derives from Adam's fatherhood and divine grant.

### Natural Rights and Liberty

Locke implicitly argues for natural rights and liberty by denying that any man is born into subjection to an absolute monarch.

## Character check-ins

### Sir Robert Filmer

Filmer is the primary target of Locke's critique; his arguments for absolute monarchy based on Adam's sovereignty are systematically refuted.

### Adam

Adam is central to Filmer's theory as the supposed original monarch; Locke challenges the basis of Adam's sovereignty.

### Noah

Noah is referenced in the context of Filmer's claims about patriarchal authority and the transmission of sovereignty.

### Abraham

Abraham is mentioned in Filmer's arguments regarding fatherhood and political power.

### Jacob

Jacob is cited in discussions of inheritance and the transfer of authority from Adam.

## Key lines

> Slavery is so vile and miserable an Estate of Man, and so directly opposite to the generous Temper and Courage of our Nation; that 'tis hardly to be conceived, that an Englishman, much less a Gentleman, should plead for't.

Locke expresses disbelief that any Englishman, especially a gentleman, would argue in favor of slavery, which he considers a vile condition contrary to the national character.

_Locke sets the tone for his critique by condemning the defense of absolute monarchy as akin to advocating slavery._

> I should not have writ so much concerning a Book, which I confess to be to me, a very unintelligible Discourse, had not the Authority which the Author's Name, and the plausible Title of his Book, given it, made it necessary to remove the Prejudice that it might raise in unwary Readers against the Truth.

Locke explains that he has written at length about Filmer's obscure book only because its author's reputation and appealing title might mislead uncritical readers away from the truth.

_Locke justifies his engagement with Filmer's work as a necessary corrective to its potential influence._

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