Abstract

PEREZ SALAZAR, Mauricio. THE GENEALOGY OF LIBERALISM: AN ECONOMIC READING OF LOCKE’S SECOND TREATISE OF GOVERNMENT. Rev.econ.inst. [online]. 1999, vol.1, n.1, pp.59-88. ISSN 0124-5996.

This paper presents an interpretation of John Locke’s theory of political society. After reviewing the differences between Locke’s and Hobbes’ ideas of individual, government and the importance of a rational discussion about the construction of political society, the article shows the role of individual freedom and consent as basis for explaining the situation of men in political society. The analysis of Locke’s social contract shows how the creation of governement is the outcome of the search for economic efficiency, because it permits the reduction of transaction costs or what Locke calls “the inconveniences of the state of nature”.

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