Of Monarchy, by Inheritance from Adam explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Natural Rights and Liberty

  Locke grounds property rights in the natural right to self-preservation, which is shared equally by all individuals, not exclusive to a monarch.

• Property and Labor

  Locke redefines property as a right based on necessity and self-preservation, rejecting Filmer's notion of exclusive dominion by donation.

• Critique of Patriarchalism and Divine Right

  Locke systematically dismantles Filmer's argument that Adam's fatherhood and property grant a hereditary right to absolute monarchy.

Characters to notice

• Adam

  Locke examines Filmer's claim that Adam held absolute sovereignty by property and fatherhood, and argues that Adam's rights were not exclusive to him but shared with all his children.

• Sir Robert Filmer

  Filmer's theory that Adam's monarchical power passes by inheritance is the central target of Locke's critique; Locke shows the logical flaws in this inheritance claim.

• Noah

  Referenced implicitly as part of the patriarchal lineage; Locke's argument about inheritance applies to all descendants, including Noah.

• Abraham

  Mentioned in the context of patriarchal succession; Locke's reasoning about equal rights to property undermines any exclusive inheritance claim.

• Jacob

  Referenced as part of the biblical lineage; Locke's argument that all children share equally in the right to subsistence challenges Filmer's inheritance model.

• Isaac

  Implied in the discussion of patriarchal inheritance; Locke's critique of exclusive succession applies to Isaac as a potential heir.

Key passages

• “It is in vain then to talk of subjection and obedience without telling us whom we are to obey: for were I ever so fully persuaded, that there ought to be magistracy and rule in the world; yet I am nevertheless at liberty still, till it appears who is the person that hath right to my obedience”

  It is pointless to demand submission without identifying the legitimate ruler; even if I accept that government is necessary, I remain free until I know who has the rightful authority over me.

  Locke emphasizes the need for a clear, identifiable source of political authority, not just abstract theories.

• “Every man had a right to the creatures, by the same title Adam had, viz. by the right everyone had to take care of, and provide for their subsistence: and thus men had a right in common, Adam's children in common with him.”

  Every person has the same right to use the earth's resources as Adam did, based on the universal need for self-preservation, so Adam's children share that right equally with him.

  Locke argues that property rights are universal and not exclusive to Adam or his heir, undermining Filmer's foundation for monarchy.

• “The first and strongest desire God planted in men, and wrought into the very principles of their nature, being that of self-preservation, that is the foundation of a right to the creatures, for the particular support and use of each individual person himself. But, next to this, God planted in men a strong desire also of propagating their kind, and continuing themselves in their posterity; and this gives children a title to share in the property of their parents, and a right to inherit their possessions.”

  The primary natural drive is self-preservation, which gives each person a right to use resources. The secondary drive to procreate gives children a natural right to inherit their parents' property.

  Locke derives inheritance rights from natural desires and duties, not from political sovereignty, separating family inheritance from political power.