| FT-53386-05 | Research Programs: Summer Stipends | Matthew Simpson | Religion and Liberty in Locke's "Two Treatises" | 6/1/2005 - 7/31/2005 | $5,000.00 | Matthew | | Simpson | | | | Luther College | Decorah | IA | 52101-1041 | USA | 2005 | History of Philosophy | Summer Stipends | Research Programs | 5000 | 0 | 5000 | 0 |
Locke was undoubtedly a liberal, meaning that he believed the primary purpose of the state should be to protect people's freedom, not to enforce morality. Yet he argued for liberalism on the basis of a specific Christian theology. This means, paradoxically, that he gave religious arguments for the view that the state should not try to enforce a religious ethics. However, the relationship between Locke's Christianity and his liberalism, although essential, is poorly understood. This project will examine in a new way how his political theory follows from his religious views, thereby clarifying the foundations of his philosophy as well as his legacy for the American political experience. |