Philosophy 355
Study questions:
Locke's Second Treatise...,
Chpts. 13 and 19
1. Locke argues that the power that the members of civil society
give to the legislative and
executive authorities is "given with
trust" (Chpt. 13). What does he mean by this? What
implications does it have for the
limits of political authority and appropriate responses to
its abuse?
2. In Chpt. 19, Locke insists on a crucial distinction between
"dissolution of the society" and
"dissolution of the government".
What is the distinction?
3. Under what conditions, according to Locke, is government
dissolved? What response is
called for under these circumstances.
4. Locke considers the objection to his view, namely that it
"lays a foundation for rebellion"
(Chpt. 19). How does he respond
to this? To what extent is response adequate?