Pateman On Locke Essay -- essays research papers fc

For years social contract theorists had monopolized the explanation of modern society. John Locke was among those who advocated this theory of a collectively chosen set of circumstances. Carole Pateman, on the other hand rejects many of the pillars of the social contract and specifically attacks certain aspects of Locke's argument regarding paternalism and patriarchy. Pateman defends her idea that the individual about which Locke writes is masculine, instead of the gender-encompassing form of the word "man." Pateman also argues that Locke denies the individuality of women. Instead of scrapping his entire work, however, she grants him a couple of concessions, even acknowledging Locke as anti-patriarchal. If John Locke were around to defend his theories, he would probably have an opinion about the treatment of his work. To accurately discuss Pateman's view of Locke's paternal/patriarchal theory, a working knowledge of the theory itself is necessary. According to Locke "all men by nature are equal"(Second Treatise: 43) with the exception of children who have not reached the full state of equality, but must obey their parents. Domestic and political power is vested in the Father, according to Locke. As he puts it, "the natural fathers of families, by an insensible change, became the politic monarchs of them too."(Second Treatise: 42) Locke does not reserve domestic power regarding children solely to the Father, however. Instead he claims that the mother "hath an equal title."(Second Treatise: 30) He even defends the rights of children. Locke argues that children have the same moral rights as any other person, though the child's inadequate mental faculties make it permissible for his parents to rule over him to a limited degree. "Thus we are born Free, as we are born Rational; not that we have actually the Exercise of either: Age that brings one, brings with it the other too." (Second Treatise: 30) Locke does specify that children are free because of their "father's title," in addition to being governed by the law of their father. It is less clear in this situation whether Locke is using the term "father" to include both parents as the "term" man can be interpreted to mean both 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 could pose for his theories is a simple clarification of terms. Pateman relies heavily on the fact that Locke's definition of "man" is man, not humanity. If the late philosopher were present today he could clarify precisely what he meant by this term, and dispel or support Pateman's accusation. John Locke's view of the the social contract comes under attack by the criticism of Carole Pateman. She not only refutes his use of terms, but also accuses Locke of ignoring women. Pateman claims that Locke purposefully left women out of the original contract in the same fashion that he denies their individuality. Like most people, Locke would likely defend himself and his theories to the best of his abilities if he were able. Either way, Pateman's critique provides the opportunity for reexamination of a widely accepted theory and theorist. Works Cited Locke, John. Second Treatise of Government. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing Co, 1980. Pateman, Carole. The Sexual Contract. Stanford: Stanford UP, 1988. Comments: This is an evaluation of modern-feminist philosopher Carole Pateman's description of John Locke's theories.