How To Cite John Locke: A Comprehensive Guide

Citing sources can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to referencing works from centuries ago.

One such work is John Locke’s “Second Treatise of Government,” which has been referenced in numerous academic papers and publications.

However, with various citation styles and rules, it can be challenging to know how to properly cite Locke’s work.

In this article, we’ll explore the different citation styles and guidelines for citing John Locke’s “Second Treatise of Government” to help you confidently reference this important piece of literature in your own writing.

So, let’s dive in!

How To Cite John Locke

When citing John Locke’s “Second Treatise of Government,” it’s important to follow the guidelines of the citation style you’re using. Here are some general tips for citing this work:

1. Include the author’s name: Begin your citation with John Locke’s name.

2. Include the title of the work: The title of Locke’s work is “Second Treatise of Government.”

3. Include the edition and publication information: Depending on the citation style you’re using, you may need to include information about the edition and publication of the work. For example, in APA style, you would include the publisher and year of publication.

4. Consider including the original publication date: If you want to provide more context for your readers, you can include the original publication date of Locke’s work in addition to the edition you’re citing.

5. Follow the rules of your citation style: Different citation styles have different rules for formatting citations. Make sure you’re following the guidelines for the style you’re using.

Here are some examples of how to cite John Locke’s “Second Treatise of Government” in different citation styles:

APA:

Locke, J. (1948). The second treatise of government. Oxford: Blackwell.

MLA:

Locke, John. Second Treatise of Government. Blackwell, 1948.

Chicago:

Locke, John. The Second Treatise of Government. Oxford: Blackwell, 1948.

Harvard:

Locke, J. (1948). The second treatise of government. Oxford: Blackwell.

ACS:

Locke, John. The Second Treatise of Civil Government. London: G. Routledge and Sons, 1887.

No matter which citation style you use, make sure your citation is accurate and complete so that your readers can easily find the source you’re referencing. By following these guidelines, you can confidently cite John Locke’s “Second Treatise of Government” in your own writing.

Introduction To John Locke And Second Treatise Of Government

John Locke was a prominent philosopher and political theorist who lived from 1632 to 1704. His “Second Treatise of Government” is one of his most well-known works and is considered a foundational text in the field of political philosophy. The treatise was first published in 1689 and presents Locke’s ideas on the nature of government, the role of the individual in society, and the relationship between the government and the governed.

Locke’s ideas on government were influential in shaping the political systems of many countries, including the United States. In fact, many of the principles outlined in the Declaration of Independence, such as the idea that all people are created equal and have certain unalienable rights, can be traced back to Locke’s work.

When citing Locke’s “Second Treatise of Government,” it’s important to provide accurate and complete information about the edition and publication of the work. Additionally, including the original publication date can provide valuable context for readers. By following the guidelines of your chosen citation style, you can ensure that your citation is clear and informative.

Understanding The Importance Of Proper Citation

Proper citation is an essential part of any academic writing, including articles about John Locke. Accurately citing sources not only gives credit to the original author, but it also helps readers locate the source material if they want to learn more. In addition, proper citation shows that you have done your due diligence in researching the topic and have used credible sources to support your argument.

When citing John Locke’s work, it’s important to follow the guidelines of the citation style you’re using. Different citation styles have different rules for formatting citations, including how to include the author’s name, title of the work, edition and publication information, and original publication date. By following these rules, you can ensure that your citation is accurate and complete.

Moreover, plagiarism is a serious offense in academic writing. It involves presenting someone else’s work or ideas as your own without proper attribution. To avoid plagiarism, it’s important to always cite your sources correctly and use quotation marks or paraphrasing when necessary. By doing so, you can maintain your credibility as a writer and uphold academic integrity.

Different Citation Styles For John Locke’s Work

John Locke’s work has been cited for centuries, and there are different citation styles to choose from depending on your field and preference. The most commonly used citation styles are APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and ACS.

In APA style, the citation for Locke’s “Second Treatise of Government” would include the author’s name, the year of publication, the title of the work, and the publisher. For example: Locke, J. (1948). The second treatise of government. Oxford: Blackwell.

In MLA style, the citation would include the author’s name, the title of the work, and the publisher. For example: Locke, John. Second Treatise of Government. Blackwell, 1948.

In Chicago style, the citation would include the author’s name, the title of the work, the publisher, and the year of publication. For example: Locke, John. The Second Treatise of Government. Oxford: Blackwell, 1948.

In Harvard style, the citation would include the author’s name, the year of publication, the title of the work, and the publisher. For example: Locke, J. (1948). The second treatise of government. Oxford: Blackwell.

In ACS style, the citation would include the author’s name, the title of the work (using “Civil Government” instead of “Government”), and the publisher with its location and year of publication. For example: Locke, John. The Second Treatise of Civil Government. London: G. Routledge and Sons, 1887.

When citing Locke’s work in any citation style, it’s important to consider including the original publication date to provide more context for your readers. Additionally, make sure to follow the rules of your chosen citation style to ensure accuracy and completeness in your citation.

MLA Style For Citing Second Treatise Of Government

When citing John Locke’s “Second Treatise of Government” in MLA style, there are a few important details to include in your citation. Begin with Locke’s name, followed by the title of the work. For the edition and publication information, include the publisher and year of publication. If you want to provide additional context, you can also include the original publication date of the work. Here is an example of how to cite “Second Treatise of Government” in MLA style:

Locke, John. Second Treatise of Government. Blackwell, 1948.

Remember to double-check your citation for accuracy and make sure it follows the guidelines of MLA style. By properly citing John Locke’s “Second Treatise of Government,” you can give credit where it’s due and help your readers locate the source you’re referencing.

APA Style For Citing Second Treatise Of Government

When citing John Locke’s “Second Treatise of Government” in APA style, the following information should be included:

1. Author’s name: Begin the citation with John Locke’s name.

2. Publication date: In parentheses, include the year of publication (1948).

3. Title of the work: The title of Locke’s work is “The Second Treatise of Government.”

4. Publisher: Include the publisher’s name (Blackwell) and location (Oxford).

The final citation should look like this:

Locke, J. (1948). The second treatise of government. Oxford: Blackwell.

It’s important to note that if you’re citing a specific edition of the work, you should include that information as well. For example, if you’re using a revised edition edited by C.B. Macpherson, you would include that information after the title of the work.

Chicago Style For Citing Second Treatise Of Government

When citing John Locke’s “Second Treatise of Government” in Chicago style, there are a few specific rules to follow. First, include Locke’s name followed by a comma. Then, include the title of the work in italics. Next, include the publication information, which should include the publisher’s name, location, and year of publication. If you want to include the original publication date, you can do so by placing it in parentheses after the title of the work. The original publication date should be followed by a comma, and then the page number(s) you’re citing.

Here is an example of how to cite the “Second Treatise of Government” in Chicago style:

Locke, John. Second Treatise of Government. Edited by C. B. Macpherson, Hackett Publishing, 1980 (1689): 201.

In this example, “Edited by C. B. Macpherson” indicates that this is a specific edition of the work. The year 1980 is the year this edition was published, and “1689” in parentheses indicates the original publication year. Finally, “: 201” indicates the page number being cited.

By following these guidelines for Chicago style citations, you can accurately and effectively cite John Locke’s “Second Treatise of Government” in your own writing.

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