Abstract
John Locke is well known as a proponent of liberty, limited government, and religious toleration, and many understandably regard him as an intellectual founder of liberalism. However, while there is certainly some truth to this interpretation, Locke makes several arguments throughout his works that suggest he might endorse a more active role for civil government in curbing immoral practices and even mandating certain behaviors. This article elucidates this understudied aspect of Locke’s thought and argues that his views on natural law, civil law, and various aspects of domestic policy show that he is deeply concerned with the need to foster what one might call the “moral conditions” of happiness.