John Locke and the Origins of Private Property: Philosophical Explorations of Individualism, Community, and Equality

by Matthew H. Kramer

Overview

John Locke's attempt to justify private property is one of the central elements in his political philosophy. Matthew Kramer's new book explores in depth the Lockean theory of property, along with many other aspects of Locke's political thought. Drawing on the techniques of analytic philosophy, Kramer offers some rigorous and extensive techniques of Locke's arguments. While subsequently investigating the consequences of the shortcomings in Locke's reasoning, Kramer maintains that our understanding of Locke's political vision must change considerably. Kramer's book will be of interest to political philosophers, legal philosophers, and intellectual historians.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521584128
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	07/31/1997
Pages:	364
Product dimensions:	6.30(w) x 9.29(h) x 1.26(d)

Table of Contents

List of abbreviations; Preface; Part I. Introduction: 1. A philosophical approach to philosophy; 2. Preliminary matters; Part II. On Equality: 3. Equality unlocked; Part III. Labor and Property: 4. The labors of Locke: a critique; 5. Once more unto the breach; 6. The drawing of consequences; Citational appendix; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"In this excellent work, Kramer persuasively argues that Locke's views actually support the thesis that the Enlightenment's leading proponent of individualism was a communitarian or collectivist....well organized, closely argued, and a worthwhile contribution to both Lockean scholarship and the larger liberalism-communitarian debate." R.F. White, Choice

"...[Kramer's] book on Locke provides many interesting objections that students of Locke cannot afford to ignore." The Philosophical Review

From the Publisher