Locke's Political Thought and the Oceans

Pirates, Slaves, and Sailors

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Politics, History & Theory, Reference & Language, Law
Cover of the book Locke's Political Thought and the Oceans by Sarah Pemberton, Lexington Books
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Sarah Pemberton ISBN: 9781498538220
Publisher: Lexington Books Publication: May 9, 2017
Imprint: Lexington Books Language: English
Author: Sarah Pemberton
ISBN: 9781498538220
Publisher: Lexington Books
Publication: May 9, 2017
Imprint: Lexington Books
Language: English

This book outlines and analyzes John Locke’s political thought about the oceans with a focus on law and freedom at sea. The book examines the Two Treatises of Government, in which Locke argues that the seas are collectively owned by all humans and are governed by universal natural laws that prohibit piracy. Locke’s Two Treatises provides a systematic political theory of the seas that contributes to theories of international law and maritime law, but his text does not answer the practical question of how to enforce law effectively at sea. The book also considers how Locke translated his theoretical ideas into practice when he was involved in policymaking as a member of England’s Board of Trade during the 1690s. On the Board, Locke waged a war against pirates by proposing an anti-piracy treaty between Europe’s major maritime states, by successfully advocating a new English piracy law, and by supporting the deployment of the English Navy against pirates. Locke’s war against pirates was consistent with the natural law theory in the Two Treatises, and helped to build English empire on land and at sea. There is also consistency between Locke’s theoretical views about slavery and his work on the Board of Trade. As a Board member, Locke advocated forced migration and forced labor for English convicts, which is consistent with the theory of penal slavery in the Two Treatises and suggests that his theory was intended to justify the enslavement of English convicts. However, there are tensions between Locke’s arguments in the Two Treatises and the policies of forced naval service that he supported on the Board. Locke’s theories of law and freedom at sea shaped his vision of English national identity, and influenced the English government’s policies about slavery and piracy.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This book outlines and analyzes John Locke’s political thought about the oceans with a focus on law and freedom at sea. The book examines the Two Treatises of Government, in which Locke argues that the seas are collectively owned by all humans and are governed by universal natural laws that prohibit piracy. Locke’s Two Treatises provides a systematic political theory of the seas that contributes to theories of international law and maritime law, but his text does not answer the practical question of how to enforce law effectively at sea. The book also considers how Locke translated his theoretical ideas into practice when he was involved in policymaking as a member of England’s Board of Trade during the 1690s. On the Board, Locke waged a war against pirates by proposing an anti-piracy treaty between Europe’s major maritime states, by successfully advocating a new English piracy law, and by supporting the deployment of the English Navy against pirates. Locke’s war against pirates was consistent with the natural law theory in the Two Treatises, and helped to build English empire on land and at sea. There is also consistency between Locke’s theoretical views about slavery and his work on the Board of Trade. As a Board member, Locke advocated forced migration and forced labor for English convicts, which is consistent with the theory of penal slavery in the Two Treatises and suggests that his theory was intended to justify the enslavement of English convicts. However, there are tensions between Locke’s arguments in the Two Treatises and the policies of forced naval service that he supported on the Board. Locke’s theories of law and freedom at sea shaped his vision of English national identity, and influenced the English government’s policies about slavery and piracy.

More books from Lexington Books

Cover of the book Creating Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force, 1945–2015 by Sarah Pemberton
Cover of the book George Galphin and the Transformation of the Georgia–South Carolina Backcountry by Sarah Pemberton
Cover of the book Greater Tibet by Sarah Pemberton
Cover of the book Republican Presidents and the Safety Net by Sarah Pemberton
Cover of the book The New Barbarism and the Modern West by Sarah Pemberton
Cover of the book Soviet Society in the Era of Late Socialism, 1964–1985 by Sarah Pemberton
Cover of the book Food and Everyday Life by Sarah Pemberton
Cover of the book Music, Theater, and Society in the Comedies of Luiz Carlos Martins Penna (1833-1846) by Sarah Pemberton
Cover of the book Imagination in Politics by Sarah Pemberton
Cover of the book Illusive Identity by Sarah Pemberton
Cover of the book Law Enforcement in the Age of Black Lives Matter by Sarah Pemberton
Cover of the book Food and Gender in Fiji by Sarah Pemberton
Cover of the book John Rawls and Christian Social Engagement by Sarah Pemberton
Cover of the book Leading with Aesthetics by Sarah Pemberton
Cover of the book Research Beyond Borders by Sarah Pemberton
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy