Description
Essay on Toleration
Book Summary
This work offers an early and essential look at John Locke's thought on toleration, written more than two decades before his celebrated *A Letter Concerning Toleration*. In it, the English philosopher examines the limits of civil authority and individual liberty, arguing that the regulation of indifferent matters must be subordinated to social peace and security. The edition is enriched with eighteen writings previously unpublished in Spanish, such as *Obligation of Penal Laws* and *Of Ethics in General*, which delve into moral knowledge and political obedience, offering a more complete vision of the author.
What is it about?
Locke addresses the tension between the individual's freedom to act in morally neutral (indifferent) matters and the State's need to maintain public order. He maintains that the civil magistrate has the authority to regulate these issues only when they affect the peace and security of society; otherwise, they must be tolerated. The book is not limited to this central essay, but includes additional manuscripts that explore ethics, the obligation of penal laws, and the poor law, filling gaps in the previous edition of his work in Spanish. It is an analysis of how to reconcile personal autonomy with the common good.
Main themes
- Limits of civil authority and the magistracy.
- Individual liberty and toleration in indifferent matters.
- Relationship between ethics, moral law, and political obedience.
- Foundations of social peace and security as a regulatory criterion.
- Analysis of the poor law and the obligation of penal laws.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is intended for students and researchers of political philosophy, ethics, and law, as well as readers interested in classical liberal thought and the foundations of modern toleration. It is also valuable for those seeking to understand John Locke's intellectual evolution through lesser-known texts, many of which are appearing in Spanish for the first time.
What this book offers
- Access to early writings of Locke translated into Spanish for the first time, which expand the understanding of his work.
- A clear analysis of how toleration is linked to political authority and ethics, not just religion.
- Tools for reflecting on the relationship between individual liberty and social order in contemporary contexts.
- Historical and philosophical context that enriches the study of the foundations of liberal thought.
Technical Specifications
- Author: Locke, John
- Publisher: Biblioteca Nueva
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: HUMANITIES, PHILOSOPHY, ETHICS AND MORAL PHILOSOPHY, RELIGION AND BELIEFS
- Collection: CLA.PENSAM ECONOMICO Y SOCIAL (MINERVA)
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: March 2011
- Number of pages: 216
- Weight: 253 g
Editorial Review
This edition stands out for gathering lesser-known texts by Locke that complement his canonical thought, offering a more nuanced perspective on toleration and authority. The inclusion of manuscripts previously unpublished in Spanish, along with the rigorous work of the editors, makes it a valuable tool for scholars and advanced readers. However, its dense and specialized focus may be less accessible to those seeking a general introduction to the topic.