Nicomachean Ethics — Aristotle

# Nicomachean Ethics — Aristotle

## Historical Context and Textual Origins

The provided excerpt details the publication history of John Locke’s *Two Treatises of Government*, not Aristotle’s *Nicomachean Ethics*. It’s crucial to clarify this discrepancy. The text traces the work’s origins to its 1690 publication and subsequent reprints, specifically referencing the 1980 Hackett Publishing edition edited by C.B. McPherson. The excerpt emphasizes that the included text is the *original* 1690 version, devoid of McPherson’s editorial additions.  The Latin motto, *Salus Populi Suprema Lex Esto* (“The welfare of the people is the supreme law”), sets a tone of political philosophy focused on the common good. The publication dates (MDCLXXXVIII – 1688, and later reprints) highlight the work’s enduring relevance and its connection to significant historical periods, including the Glorious Revolution in England.

## Locke’s Critique of Filmer and the Foundation of Liberal Thought

The core purpose of Locke’s *Two Treatises* is explicitly stated: to dismantle the political theories of Sir Robert Filmer. Locke aims to “detect and overthrow” Filmer’s “false principles and foundation.” This indicates a direct engagement with existing political thought and a deliberate attempt to establish an alternative framework for understanding legitimate government. The editor’s note reveals that Locke’s work was instrumental in justifying the reign of King William, grounding his authority in the “consent of the people.” This emphasis on consent is a cornerstone of liberal political philosophy, contrasting sharply with theories of divine right or absolute sovereignty.

## The Importance of Natural Rights and Avoiding Slavery

The excerpt underscores the significance of “just and natural rights” and the “resolution to preserve them.”  Locke’s work is presented as a defense against “slavery and ruin,” suggesting that the preservation of individual liberties is paramount. The editor confidently asserts that Locke’s arguments have “thoroughly confuted” Filmer’s hypothesis, rendering further advocacy for slavery untenable. This reflects a broader Enlightenment-era rejection of arbitrary power and a growing emphasis on individual autonomy. The text suggests a belief that reason and clear argumentation can expose and defeat flawed political ideologies.

## Critique of Filmer’s Style and Argumentation

The editor levels a strong critique against Filmer’s writing style, characterizing it as “glib nonsense” disguised by “flourish of doubtful expressions” and “well-sounding English.”  The recommendation to “strip Sir Robert’s discourses of the flourish” and reduce his words to “direct, positive, intelligible propositions” highlights a concern with clarity and logical consistency.  The editor specifically challenges readers to examine Filmer’s treatment of “usurpation,” suggesting that it is riddled with inconsistencies and lacks common sense. This critique emphasizes the importance of rigorous analysis and the rejection of obfuscation in political discourse.

## The Role of Reason and the Pursuit of Truth

The editor’s willingness to engage with Filmer’s work, even after its widespread refutation, demonstrates a commitment to intellectual honesty and the pursuit of truth. While confident in Locke’s arguments, the editor encourages readers to independently verify them by examining Filmer’s writings. This emphasis on individual inquiry and critical thinking is characteristic of the Enlightenment. The editor’s decision not to “repeat my pains” and “fill up the wanting part of my answer” suggests a belief that Locke’s arguments are sufficient and that further elaboration would be unnecessary.

## Implications for Political Legitimacy

The excerpt establishes a clear link between political legitimacy and the consent of the governed.  Locke’s work is presented as a justification for the English people’s actions in securing their rights and establishing a government based on their approval. This principle has profound implications for the theory of sovereignty, shifting the locus of authority from the ruler to the people. The emphasis on consent also implies a right to resistance against tyrannical or illegitimate rule. The text implicitly argues that government exists to serve the interests of the people, not the other way around.

## The Editor’s Confidence and Historical Impact

The editor expresses considerable confidence in Locke’s arguments, believing they are “sufficient to establish the throne” of King William and “justify to the world the people of England.” This confidence reflects the historical context of the work, which was published in the aftermath of the Glorious Revolution and aimed to legitimize the new regime. The editor’s assertion that “no body hereafter will have either the confidence to appear against our common safety, and be again an advocate for slavery” is a bold claim, but it underscores the transformative impact of Locke’s ideas. The work’s enduring influence on political thought and constitutionalism suggests that this claim was, to a significant extent, justified.

## Textual Integrity and Scholarly Rigor

The excerpt meticulously details the textual provenance of the *Two Treatises*, emphasizing its fidelity to the 1690 edition and the exclusion of later editorial commentary. The reference to a copy “lodged in Christ College, Cambridge” adds a layer of scholarly authority and authenticity. This attention to textual detail reflects a commitment to historical accuracy and a desire to present Locke’s ideas in their original form. The editor’s collation of the text with earlier editions further reinforces this commitment to scholarly rigor.