Holly Brewer, associate professor of history at N.C. State University, discusses 17th century philosopher John Locke’s opposition to slavery, which had been promoted in conjunction with the monarchical theory of the “divine right of kings.” Brewer delivered these remarks as part of a presentation to the John Locke Foundation’s Shaftesbury Society Jan. 19, 2009. To watch full-length presentations of John Locke Foundation events, click here.
Related
Federalist No. 8: The consequences of hostilities between the states
If we are wise enough to preserve the Union we may for ages enjoy an advantage similar to that of an insulated situation. Europe is at a great distance from us.
Federalist No. 5: Concerning dangers from foreign force and influence, Continued…
Considering our distance from Europe, it would be more natural for these confederacies to apprehend danger from one another than from distant nations, and therefore that each of them should be more desirous to guard against the others by the aid of foreign alliances, than to guard against foreign dangers by alliances between themselves.
The Mayflower Compact: America’s first great experiment
The Mayflower Compact stands as living proof that the principles John Locke would later define were already embedded in the human pursuit of liberty.
Bunker Hill to today: A fight for liberty unfinished
The patriots’ fight for liberty and representative government at Bunker Hill remains relevant to modern struggles against government overreach and the erosion of accountability.