UNIT 13 LOCKE: IDEA OF TOLERANCE (PRESENTATON THEMES: NATURAL RIGHTS, RIGHT TO DISSENT, JUSTIFICATION OF PROPERTY)⁎

Question 1

Describe Locke’s ideas on toleration

Answer 1

Efficient Pointer Summary (Keywords)

1. Toleration - Concept of accepting diverse, objectionable beliefs for peaceful coexistence.
2. Disagreement - Toleration arises from conflict or disagreement between beliefs.
3. Objectionable Beliefs - Tolerating those we disagree with for pressing reasons.
4. Legitimate Reasons - Tolerating despite objections based on rights, autonomy, etc.
5. Limits of Toleration - Toleration has boundaries, cannot extend to intolerant beliefs.
6. Mutuality - Toleration requires mutual acceptance of differing views.
7. Context - Context determines what should be tolerated, no universal formula.
8. Voluntary Toleration - Toleration must be voluntary, not coerced.
9. Historical Roots - Toleration discussed from Socrates to Locke, influenced by religious wars.
10. Locke’s Contribution - Locke’s work on toleration amidst England’s religious struggles.

Mnemonic for Keywords (T-D-O-L-M-C-V-H-L)

Toleration

Disagreement

Objectionable Beliefs

Legitimate Reasons

Mutuality

Context

Voluntary Toleration

Historical Roots

Locke’s Contribution

Main Answer

Introduction

Toleration is central to modern liberal political theory and allows diverse religious beliefs to coexist.

Locke’s ideas on religious toleration are essential in shaping contemporary debates on freedom of belief and the government’s role in regulating religion.

The discussion of toleration is crucial when there are conflicting beliefs in society, and Locke’s contribution is set against this backdrop.

Body

1. Toleration and Its Importance

Toleration emerges when diverse beliefs or practices exist in a society.

Disagreement is key; we tolerate those things we find objectionable.

Toleration means accepting beliefs we find disagreeable for some greater purpose like peaceful coexistence.

2. Legitimate Reasons for Tolerating Objectionable Beliefs

Toleration isn’t about liking the objectionable beliefs but weighing other legitimate reasons:

Individual autonomy and right to privacy.

Religious rights and the need for multicultural rights.

Ensuring peaceful coexistence in diverse societies.

3. Limits of Toleration

Toleration has limits; some beliefs or practices are too objectionable to tolerate.

For example, practices like female genital mutilation or child marriage cannot be tolerated, even in the name of cultural or religious rights.

Toleration is contextual—the right or wrong of tolerating depends on the situation and competing reasons.

4. Voluntary Toleration

Toleration should be voluntary—compulsion turns it into force, not true acceptance.

Mutuality is critical: intolerant beliefs cannot be tolerated because they are against the concept of coexistence.

Only tolerant beliefs can function under the framework of toleration, promoting peaceful diversity.

5. Historical Antecedents of Toleration

Toleration has roots in philosophical and political history:

Socratic method emphasized tolerant dialogue.

Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor, promoted toleration.

Indian history, with rulers like Ashoka and Akbar, showed tolerance in diverse religious practices.

Modern toleration debates began after the Reformation in 16th-century Europe, marked by religious wars and the Protestant Reformation.

6. Locke’s Contribution to Toleration

Locke’s work on religious toleration was published in 1689 CE, during England’s religious conflict.

He aimed to provide a framework for peaceful coexistence amidst a society divided by Protestant, Anglican, and Catholic divisions.

Locke’s work directly influenced the liberal political theory of religious freedom and the separation of church and state.

Conclusion

Toleration is essential for societies with diverse beliefs, requiring judgment about which practices can coexist peacefully.

Locke’s views on religious toleration form a key part of modern liberal thought, offering solutions for societies struggling with religious conflict.

The limits of toleration must be understood, as certain practices, though objectionable, may be tolerated for larger reasons, but others may be deemed intolerable based on human rights and public welfare.

Question 2

Explain Locke’s views on the relationship between religion and state

Answer 2

Efficient Pointer Summary (Keywords)

1. Locke’s Continuation - Locke’s arguments for religious toleration extend his views on limited government.
2. Natural Rights - Right to religious freedom as part of individual liberty.
3. Government’s Role - Government should not regulate spiritual beliefs.
4. Spiritual Wellbeing - Not the responsibility of the state.
5. Consent - People do not consent to government regulation of religion.
6. Force and Conviction - External force cannot change true spiritual conviction.
7. False Religions - Government-imposed religions can force people into false beliefs.
8. Individual Reason - Religious beliefs should be guided by personal reason.
9. Christian Conviction - Locke’s Christian beliefs influenced his stance on toleration.
10. Limited Government - Locke advocates for limited government, which respects individual rights.
11. Genuine Belief - True religious beliefs are internal and should not be coerced.
12. Political and Religious Convictions - Locke’s arguments blend political and theological beliefs.

Mnemonic for Keywords (L-N-G-S-C-F-F-I-C-L-G)

Locke’s Continuation

Natural Rights

Government’s Role

Spiritual Wellbeing

Consent

Force and Conviction

False Religions

Individual Reason

Christian Conviction

Limited Government

Genuine Belief

Main Answer

Introduction

Locke’s arguments for religious toleration can be understood as an extension of his broader views on limited government.

The right to religious freedom is a natural right tied to the individual’s liberty, and government has no legitimate role in enforcing or regulating religion.

Locke’s arguments emphasize the separation of spiritual wellbeing from the political sphere, and the importance of individual reason in matters of belief.

Body

1. Locke’s Continuation of Limited Government

Locke’s views on religious toleration align with his idea of a limited government, where the state protects individuals’ rights but does not infringe on personal freedoms.

The freedom to hold religious beliefs is part of an individual’s natural rights—freedom from government interference in personal spiritual matters.

2. Spiritual Wellbeing is Personal

Locke argues that the spiritual wellbeing of individuals is not the responsibility of the state.

The state’s power is limited to civil matters, not matters of salvation or religious faith.

Locke states that government cannot compel people to follow any religion because God has not granted such authority to the state.

3. The Problem of Force in Religion

Locke asserts that force is an inappropriate tool for influencing religious belief.

Spiritual convictions come from internal persuasion, not external coercion, and true religious commitment cannot be imposed by force or punishment.

Given the historical context of religious persecution and torture in Europe, Locke’s argument was radical for his time.

4. Government-Imposed Religions and False Beliefs

Even if a government could force people into following a religion, it doesn’t ensure that the religion is the true one.

The diversity of religions among leaders across different nations suggests that government-enforced religion can lead people to follow false religions, which is counterproductive.

Forcing people into a particular religion will not bring them closer to salvation but will instead lead them into false beliefs.

5. The Role of Individual Reason

Locke argues that individual reason is the best guide for choosing the right religious path.

Allowing people to decide their beliefs through reason is preferable to state-imposed religion, as this gives individuals the best chance of salvation.

Locke’s argument emphasizes autonomy in religious matters, rather than coercion.

6. Locke’s Christian Conviction

Despite advocating for religious toleration, Locke’s stance is deeply influenced by his Christian beliefs.

He used Biblical references to argue that coercion in religious matters is both improper and unchristian.

Locke’s Christian convictions guide his thinking, although his arguments are also relevant to broader discussions on toleration.

7. Political and Religious Convictions Intersect

Locke’s political philosophy is intertwined with his religious convictions.

His belief in limited government naturally leads to his support for religious toleration—the government should not regulate people’s religious beliefs.

At the same time, Locke’s Christianity influenced his view that genuine belief cannot be coerced—it must come from an internal conviction.

Conclusion

Locke’s arguments for religious toleration are deeply rooted in his vision of a limited government that respects individual rights, including the freedom to hold religious beliefs.

He argues that spiritual convictions should come from individual reason, not external force, and that government interference in religious matters is both ineffective and immoral.

Locke’s ideas on religious toleration are driven by both his political and religious convictions, making his arguments a unique intersection of theology and political philosophy. These ideas continue to shape modern discussions on religious freedom and the role of the state in personal beliefs.

Question 3

Examine Locke’s proposed limits of toleration

Answer 3

Efficient Pointer Summary (Keywords)

1. Limits on Toleration - Locke proposes limits for societal order.
2. Dangerous Beliefs - Beliefs that harm society or violate natural law should not be tolerated.
3. Divided Loyalty - Loyalty to religious authorities outside the state (e.g., the Pope) is intolerable.
4. Religious Authority and the Commonwealth - Beliefs that challenge civil authority undermine the state.
5. Intolerance - Intolerant beliefs should not be tolerated (e.g., those claiming superiority or infallibility).
6. Atheism - Atheists should not be tolerated due to lack of morality and trustworthiness.
7. Morality and Natural Law - Morality is dependent on religious belief in God; atheists lack moral law.
8. Covenant and Trust - Atheists cannot be trusted in a covenant-based society.
9. God’s Existence - Locke views belief in God as both a matter of faith and reason.

Mnemonic for Keywords (L-D-D-R-I-A-M-C-G)

Limits on Toleration

Dangerous Beliefs

Divided Loyalty

Religious Authority and the Commonwealth

Intolerance

Atheism

Morality and Natural Law

Covenant and Trust

God’s Existence

Main Answer

Introduction

While Locke advocates for religious toleration, he proposes certain limits to ensure societal order.

These limits are driven by Locke’s political and religious convictions that protect the commonwealth and its moral foundation.

Body

1. Limits on Religious Toleration

Locke acknowledges the importance of toleration but argues that not all beliefs and practices deserve toleration.

Destructive beliefs, which undermine society or violate natural law, should be excluded from toleration.

These beliefs threaten the preservation of the commonwealth and contradict the natural rights of individuals.

2. Dangerous Beliefs and Practices

Locke asserts that any belief or practice harmful to the preservation of civil society or moral behavior is intolerable.

He emphasizes that intolerable beliefs threaten the moral fabric of society and must be kept in check.

3. Divided Loyalty to Religious Authorities

Locke does not tolerate individuals who swear allegiance to religious authorities beyond the state (e.g., the Pope or the Mufti of Constantinople).

He feared that such loyalty would lead to divided loyalties in times of political or military conflict, destabilizing the commonwealth.

These conflicting loyalties could result in factions and instability, thus threatening the peace and order of society.

4. Religious Authority and Civil Government

Locke criticizes religious beliefs that assert superior authority over civil matters, such as the Papal power to depose kings.

He believes such claims challenge the civil rights of the community and endanger the state’s sovereignty.

This arrogation of power by religious authorities is dangerous to the commonwealth and should not be tolerated.

5. Intolerance of Intolerant Beliefs

Locke argues that intolerant beliefs—such as those that view other religions as heretical—should not be tolerated.

He points out that any group claiming superiority or infallibility, and undermining the rights of non-believers, presents a moral danger to society.

6. Atheism and Its Impossibility for Toleration

Locke contends that atheists, who do not believe in God, should not be tolerated in a civil society.

Atheism undermines the moral foundation of society because, for Locke, morality depends on a belief in God.

Locke asserts that an atheist cannot be trusted to honor the social contract since they are not bound by natural law and lack the moral reasoning required to keep promises or oaths.

7. Morality and Natural Law

Locke believes that morality is intrinsically tied to belief in God.

If someone denies the existence of God, they also deny the moral law, making them untrustworthy and dangerous in society.

Atheists, in Locke’s view, lack the ability to uphold the moral obligations of the commonwealth.

8. Covenant and Trust

Locke emphasizes that trust is vital to the functioning of a commonwealth, and an atheist cannot be trusted to uphold the terms of a social contract.

Since promises, oaths, and covenants are foundational to human society, those who do not believe in God cannot be expected to honor these principles.

9. God’s Existence as Faith and Reason

Locke also views the existence of God as a matter of reason.

Since atheists deny this reason, Locke argues that they cannot be part of a commonwealth built on rational principles and moral law.

Conclusion

Locke’s view on religious toleration is not unconditional—he proposes limits when religious beliefs endanger the civil order or undermine natural law.

Dangerous beliefs, divided loyalties, and atheism are among those Locke deems intolerable because they pose a threat to the stability and moral foundation of society.

His arguments emphasize the need for trust and the centrality of morality in maintaining a functioning commonwealth, where the social contract is honored by all.

Question 4

Evaluate the legacy of Locke’s views on toleration

Answer 4

Efficient Pointer Summary (Keywords)

1. Locke’s Influence - His views on toleration influenced political and intellectual discourses.
2. Criticism - Locke’s views criticized for being too dependent on Christian faith.
3. Political Power - Fails to account for rulers using religion for political consolidation.
4. Inner Persuasions and Force - Locke’s argument on force being futile is questioned by Jonas Proast.
5. Limited Government - Focus on limited government and consent in religious affairs.
6. Sovereignty - Locke’s limits on toleration tied to the sovereignty of the commonwealth.
7. Historical Context - Locke’s views on higher loyalty related to sovereignty.
8. Outdated Views - Views on atheism and religious authority seen as outdated.
9. Radical for Its Time - Locke’s ideas were forward-thinking, but limited by religious convictions.
10. Secular Perspective - Locke’s defense of toleration lacks the secular clarity of later thinkers like Mill.

Mnemonic for Keywords (I-C-P-I-L-S-H-O-R-S)

Influence

Criticism

Political Power

Inner Persuasions and Force

Limited Government

Sovereignty

Historical Context

Outdated Views

Radical for Its Time

Secular Perspective

Main Answer

Introduction

Locke’s views on toleration have significantly influenced political and intellectual discourses.

While praised for their forward-thinking nature, Locke’s arguments have been criticized for being too influenced by his Christian faith, which limits their application.

Body

1. Criticism of Locke’s Views

Critics argue that Locke’s views are overly dependent on his Christian convictions, which restrict their scope.

Locke’s focus on religion overlooks non-religious reasons why rulers might suppress religious diversity, such as political consolidation.

From a political perspective, rulers may force conversions to gain power, even if people don’t sincerely adopt the religion.

2. Political Power and Force

Locke argues that force is ineffective in changing inner persuasions about religion.

However, Jonas Proast (1690) contends that force can indirectly compel individuals to consider new ideas, even if it doesn’t change their beliefs directly.

This raises a critical flaw in Locke’s reasoning: the political utility of force in consolidating authority or control over religious practices.

3. Focus on Limited Government and Consent

Locke’s broader argument is not just about religious belief, but about government interference in religious matters.

Locke asserts that governments have no right to impose religious beliefs on their citizens, especially when there is no consent to such interference.

Wootton (1993) argues that the futility of force and the potential wrongness of state-imposed religions justify the need for limited government in religious matters.

4. Sovereignty and the Common Good

Locke’s idea that religions demanding loyalty beyond the state should not be tolerated asserts the sovereignty of the commonwealth.

This argument is rooted in the historical emergence of political sovereignty in modern states, where civil authority supersedes religious or feudal loyalties.

Locke’s critique focused on religious authority figures, like the Pope, demanding higher allegiance, which was common in his time.

5. Outdated Views on Atheism

Locke’s intolerance toward atheists reflects his religious convictions, which are viewed as outdated in modern society.

His belief that atheism undermines morality and social trust is increasingly seen as anachronistic and incompatible with contemporary values.

6. Radical Nature of Locke’s Ideas

While radical and forward-looking for his time, Locke’s ideas on toleration are limited by his religious perspective.

Locke does not provide the same secular and universal defense of toleration found in later thinkers like John Stuart Mill (On Liberty, 1859).

Conclusion

Locke’s ideas on toleration were groundbreaking for their time, yet they are limited by his strong religious influence.

His arguments fail to fully anticipate the political motivations behind religious coercion and have been criticized for failing to account for non-religious reasons for limiting toleration.

While Locke’s emphasis on limited government and consent was innovative, his views on atheism and religious loyalty appear outdated today, and his work lacks the secular clarity found in later liberal thinkers.