John Locke's Politics of Moral Consensus

Description

The aim of this highly original book is twofold: to explain the reconciliation of religion and politics in the work of John Locke, and to explore the relevance of that reconciliation for politics in our own time. Confronted with deep social divisions over ultimate beliefs Locke sought to unite society in a single liberal community. Reason could identify divine moral laws that would be acceptable to members of all cultural groups, thereby justifying the authority of government. Greg Forster demonstrates that Locke's theory is liberal and rational but also moral and religious, providing an alternative to the two extremes of religious fanaticism and moral relativism. This fresh new account of Locke's thought will appeal to specialists and advanced students across philosophy, political science, and religious studies.

Greg Forster is a Senior Research Associate at the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research.

'... The book is written in a very accessible and often ... punchy way ... In its overall thesis that liberalism requires a moral/religious underpinning, the book is very interesting and stimulating.' Roger Woolhouse, University of York '... engaging and thought-provoking ... To the scholar of Locke, he offers an immensely stimulating interpretation of some of Locke's major works ...' Locke Studies