John Locke as America's Philosopher

John Locke's contribution to the American political experiment go deeper than the oft-cited connections between his social contract theory and Thomas Jefferson's language in the Declaration of Independence. While often portrayed as a rank individualist and religious skeptic, Locke's heterodox but sincere religious beliefs and communally robust thoughts on education paint a more interesting picture of his influence on the founding generation. This session will make the case for a more complex and salutary understanding of Locke's role than has often been the case.