A Critical Summary of Locke's "On Property" passage from his Second Treatise of Government

Purpose

Locke’s discussion of property highlighted the connection between different systems centered on the role of government, individual property owners, and society in matters pertaining to property. The authors highlighted how governments determine the right of people to own property and how laws and constitutions define the right to property (Cahn, paragraph 25). It delineates a framework through which society and governments connect to allocate property to different people and institutions based on set procedures and laws. These also affect the use of those properties by their legal owners and any changes in their use.

Assumptions

The book presents various assumptions that point to the broader concept of property. To begin with, God gave the earth to humanity as descendants of Adam, for them to explore and multiply in it (Cahn, paragraph 25). In this context, Locke assumed that men, as a community, have a right to live in the world and explore it by cultivating the natural resources present to benefit from them. However, it is necessary to develop rules and constitutions to guide the interaction and ownership of the land by men. In this regard, the lack of rules to govern the world will cause men to fight over the natural resources they found and never contributed to making.

Secondly, Locke’s use of biblical arguments to support his claims illustrates his belief that the authority to own property originated from a divine source before it became a responsibility for humans to manage through the development of laws and regulations that guide their behavior (Cahn, paragraph 31). Moreover, there is a need to ground the control and ownership of property in law and regulation to prevent and resolve conflicts. The chief matter on the property is not what it produces and the beasts subsisting on it. However, whatever man cultivates, plants, tills, or improves while using its product is part of his property.

Thirdly, the author assumed that there was sufficient land, water, and other natural resources that the men could share without fighting for them (Cahn paragraph 31). Markedly, people only make use of the earth and its resources for as long as they live. Those who die do not carry with them the resources and the earth. It is, therefore, necessary to have a suitable approach through which governments and other relevant institutions can share the property equally, allowing people residing in those properties to enjoy them. However, the desire for men to have more than they needed destroyed the intrinsic value of things. This altered the usefulness of property to human life.

Concepts and Ideas

The key concepts featured in this book include the role of the constitution and the acceptable morals governing the behavior of men regarding ownership, use, and government (Cahn, paragraph 50). These form the entire system of property because they influence the formulation of laws governing the possession, utilization, and subdivision of the property. There are also key concepts in this discussion because they delineate the need for the government to become a central authority guiding and governing the use of property. These key concepts also tie to the key steps that help property owners and society address conflicts arising from the use, ownership, and sharing of the property.

Key Steps

The book outlines some of the key steps related to property, including ownership, use, and subdivision (Cahn, paragraph 48). For instance, property ownership is a right of man, and it is godly. However, due to the varying interests and desires of men, it is necessary to develop a legal process through which men can share property and utilize it for the benefit of both society and their personal needs (Cahn, paragraph 36). Ultimately, men should understand the effects of various property decisions and their consequences to live well and prevent harm to both their property and themselves.

Conclusion

“On Property” features a broad discussion of property, uses, and ownership by men in different times and ages. Men’s authority in property ownership and utilization is a godly intention delineated in the biblical principles as discussed by Locke. However, the variation in needs and the insatiable desires of men caused the loss of the intrinsic value of things. The usefulness of the property depends on the ability of men to draw value from it. Laws and constitutions govern decisions pertaining to property use and ownership, controlling the desires of men and guaranteeing equity for all.