Did Locke Believe in Slavery?
John Locke, an influential philosopher and political theorist, is renowned for his contributions to the development of liberal democracy and the social contract theory. However, his views on slavery have been a subject of debate and controversy. This article aims to explore whether Locke believed in slavery and the reasons behind his stance.
Locke’s philosophy is often associated with the idea of natural rights, which include life, liberty, and property. In his seminal work, “Two Treatises of Government,” Locke argues that all individuals are born equal and possess inherent rights that cannot be taken away by any authority. This principle seems to contradict the institution of slavery, which is based on the ownership and control of human beings.
Despite this, some scholars argue that Locke did believe in slavery. One of the main pieces of evidence supporting this claim is Locke’s view on the African slave trade. In his work, “Some Thoughts Concerning Education,” Locke writes that the African race is “by nature inferior to ours.” This statement has been interpreted by some as a justification for slavery.
However, it is important to note that Locke’s views on the African race were influenced by the prevailing attitudes of his time. During the 17th century, racism was widespread, and many intellectuals believed that certain races were inherently inferior. Locke himself was not immune to these biases, and his comments on the African race should be understood within the context of his era.
Moreover, Locke’s arguments in favor of slavery are not as explicit as some may think. In “Two Treatises of Government,” he does acknowledge the existence of slavery but argues that it is a temporary institution that can be abolished through the consent of the governed. Locke writes, “Slavery is no part of that natural right, which we call property; nor does it at all depend upon any such title.”
This statement suggests that Locke believed slavery to be an unnatural and temporary condition. He further argues that the consent of the governed is necessary for the establishment and continuation of any form of government, including slavery. This implies that Locke viewed slavery as a social contract that could be dissolved by the people if they deemed it unjust.
In conclusion, while John Locke’s views on slavery are complex and have been subject to various interpretations, it is not accurate to say that he believed in slavery in the traditional sense. His philosophy of natural rights and the social contract theory, along with his arguments against the perpetuity of slavery, suggest that he was critical of the institution. However, it is essential to recognize that Locke’s views were influenced by the racial and social attitudes of his time, and his comments on the African race should be viewed with caution.
