Second Treatise of Government

by

John Locke

Sir Richard Hooker Character Analysis

A 16th-century English priest and theologian. Locke quotes Hooker and his 1594 book, Of the Lawes of Ecclesiastical Politie, extensively in the Second Treatise of Government, as Hooker claims all humankind is obligated to “justice and charity” in nature. Hooker also claims that everyone is bound by the law of nature, which states that no one can harm another’s life, liberty, health, or possessions. Hooker further asserts that everyone seeks communion and fellowship, which led to the creation of the first politic society, all of which supports Locke’s own arguments concerning the state of nature and the advent of civilized society.
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Sir Richard Hooker Character Timeline in Second Treatise of Government

The timeline below shows where the character Sir Richard Hooker appears in Second Treatise of Government. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 2: Of the State of Nature
Nature, War, and Civil Society Theme Icon
...each obligated to mutual love for one another. Locke invokes the words of Sir Richard Hooker to make his point, who claims all people are obligated to “justice and charity.” (full context)
Nature, War, and Civil Society Theme Icon
Consent of the Governed and the Role of Government Theme Icon
Power and Absolute Monarchies Theme Icon
...For those who claim humankind never lived in a state of nature, Locke again offers Hooker’s words. Hooker claims that everyone is bound by the laws of nature, and he further... (full context)