Two Treatises of Government · Chapter
X: Of the Heir to Adam’s Monarchical Power explained
Locke critiques Filmer's claim that there is a single, identifiable heir to Adam who holds a natural right to rule all others.
What happens
Locke critiques Filmer's claim that there is a single, identifiable heir to Adam who holds a natural right to rule all others. He argues that this doctrine is either self-defeating (if only one man is heir, all other kings are illegitimate) or absurd (if all are heirs, then all are kings and owe no obedience). In either case, the theory dissolves the bonds of government and obedience rather than supporting them.
Themes in this chapter
Critique of Patriarchalism and Divine Right
Locke systematically dismantles Filmer's claim that Adam's heir has a natural right to monarchy, showing the logical absurdities and practical impossibility of identifying such an heir.
Consent of the Governed
By exposing the incoherence of hereditary divine right, Locke implicitly argues that legitimate government must rest on consent rather than inheritance from Adam.
Characters to notice
- Adam
Central figure in Filmer's theory; Locke examines the implications of Adam's supposed heir having monarchical power over all mankind.
- Sir Robert Filmer
Author of the patriarchal theory that Locke refutes; cited for his claims about the undeniable right of Adam's heir to rule.
Key passages
“Betwixt these two, the right of heir cannot stand; for by it either but one only man, or all men are kings. Take which you please, it dissolves the bonds of government and obedience; since if all men are heirs, they can owe obedience to nobody; if only one, nobody can be obliged to pay obedience to him, till he be known, and his title made out.”
The doctrine of Adam's heir leads to a dilemma: either only one man is king (making all other rulers illegitimate) or everyone is a king (making obedience impossible). Either way, it destroys the foundation of government and submission.
Locke's core logical refutation of Filmer's theory of hereditary monarchy.