The Genealogy of Liberalism: An Economic Reading of Locke's Second Treatise of Government
30 Pages Posted: 3 Dec 2003
Abstract
This paper presents an interpretation of John Locke's theory of political society. After reviewing the differences between Locke's and Hobbes' ideas of individual, government and the importance of a rational discussion about the construction of political society, the article shows the role of individual freedom and consent as basis for explaining the situation of men in political society. The analysis of Locke's social contract shows how the creation of government is the outcome of the search for economic efficiency, because it permits the reduction of transaction costs or what Locke calls "the inconveniences of the state of nature".
Note: Downloadable document is in Spanish
Keywords: John Locke, political society, individual freedom, consent, civil government, liberalism
JEL Classification: B19, H89
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation