Abstract

This paper intends to analyze the basic assumptions that sustain John Locke’s refutation of patriarchalism. It will be shown that neither his idea of paternal power, nor his notion of family, departs from the lockean idea of human freedom. Against our expectations, these arguments go through a different path, departing from those two aspects of human life (dependency and weakness) that do not match with the image of an independent and capable man. Considering this, it will be possible to conclude that some of Locke’s most important arguments are based on the presumption of the existence of childhood. It will be shown how childhood acquires a theoretical and practical status similar to that of the principles of human freedom and equality. Like these, the principle of childhood will also reveal to be capable of fulfilling the purpose that seems to go through the Two Treatises, namely to limit political authority