Pateman On Locke Essay -- essays research papers fc

For years favorable consume theorists had monopolized the explanation of modernsociety. John Locke was among those who advocated this theory of a collectivelyelect set of circumstances. Carole Pate spell, on the other hand rejects many of thepillars of the social contract and specifically attacks certain aspects of Lockes argu workforcetregarding paternalism and patriarchy. Pateman defends her idea that the individual aboutwhich Locke writes is masculine, instead of the gender-encompassing forge of the word"man." Pateman also argues that Locke denies the individuality of women. Instead ofscrapping his entire work, however, she grants him a couple of concessions, evenacknowledging Locke as anti-patriarchal. If John Locke were around to defend histheories, he would probably grant an opinion about the treatment of his work. To accurately discuss Patemans view of Lockes paternal/patriarchal theory, aworking knowledge of the theory itself is necessary. According to Locke &quo tall men bynature are equal"(Second Treatise 43) with the exception of children who have notreached the full state of equality, but must obey their parents. Domestic and political spot is vested in the Father, according to Locke. As he puts it, "the natural fathers offamilies, by an insensible change, became the politic monarchs of them too."(SecondTreatise 42) Locke does not reserve domestic power regarding children solely to theFather, however. Instead he claims that the mother "hath an equal title."(SecondTreatise 30) He even defends the rights of children. Locke argues that children have thesame moral rights as any other person, though the childs inadequate mental facultiesmake it allowable for his parents to rule over him to a limited degree. "Thus we areborn Free, as we are born Rational not that we have actually the work up of either Age that brings one, brings with it the other too." (Second Treatise 30) Locke doesspecify that children are free b ecause of their "fathers title," in addition to beinggoverned by the law of their father. It is less clear in this particular whether Locke is usingthe term "father" to include both parents as the "term" man can be interpreted to meanboth sexes. It is likely, based on the tradition of male heredity prevalent during his time,that Locke liter... ...tical monarchs." Another far-reaching defense Locke couldpose for his theories is a simple clarification of terms. Pateman relies heavily on the factthat Lockes definition of "man" is man, not humanity. If the late philosopher werepresent today he could clarify precisely what he meant by this term, and dispel orsupport Patemans accusation. John Lockes view of the the social contract comes under attack by thecriticism of Carole Pateman. She not only refutes his use of terms, but also accusesLocke of ignoring women. Pateman claims that Locke purposefully left women out ofthe original contract in the same fashion that he denies their individuality. Like mostpeople, Locke would likely defend himself and his theories to the best of his abilities ifhe were able. Either way, Patemans critique provides the opportunity forreexamination of a widely accepted theory and theorist.Works CitedLocke, John. Second Treatise of Government. Indianapolis HackettPublishing Co, 1980.Pateman, Carole. The Sexual Contract. Stanford Stanford UP, 1988.Comments This is an evaluation of modern-feminist philosopher Carole Patemans description of John Lockes theories.