John Locke and America: The Defence of English Colonialism

by Barbara Arneil

Overview

This book considers the context of the colonial policies of Britain, Locke's contribution to them, and the importance of these ideas in his theory of property. It also reconsiders the debate about John Locke's influence in America, challenging a number of other interpretations. The author breaks new ground in her interpretation of Locke's writings about the Indians and English colonization of America—a subject largely overlooked in the past.

The book argues that Locke's theory of property must be understood in connection with the philosopher's political concerns, as part of his endeavour to justify the colonialist policies of Lord Shaftesbury's cabinet, with which he was personally associated. The author maintains that traditional scholarship has failed to do justice to Locke by ignoring the implications of contemporary British imperial policy for the interpretation of his political thought.

The book offers a new insight into Locke's theory of property, suggesting a solution to the problem of why Locke himself assigned such importance to property in the state of nature being based on labour while at the same time asserting that property in civil society is based on convention.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780198279679
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	05/23/1996
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	8.81(w) x 5.69(h) x 0.80(d)
Lexile:	1650L (what's this?)

About the Author

Barbara Arneil is an adviser to the Canadian Government.

Editorial Reviews

"...[Arneil] has given us an important and stimulating study, filled with information and analysis. John Locke and America merits close attention..."—William and Mary Quarterly

From the Publisher