Are you struggling with citing John Locke’s Second Treatise of Government?
You’re not alone.
With so many different editions and versions available, it can be confusing to know which one to use and how to properly cite it.
But fear not, because in this blog post, we’ll break down the different citation formats and provide you with a clear and concise guide on how to cite this important work.
Whether you’re a student, researcher, or just someone interested in political philosophy, understanding how to cite Locke’s Second Treatise of Government is an essential skill.
So let’s dive in and demystify the citation process!
How To Cite John Locke Second Treatise Of Government
There are several ways to cite John Locke’s Second Treatise of Government, depending on the edition and format you are using. Here are some common citation formats:
1. MLA Style:
Locke, John. Second Treatise of Government. Edited by C. B. Macpherson, Hackett Publishing, 1980.
2. Chicago Style:
Locke, John. Second Treatise of Civil Government and A Letter Concerning Toleration. Oxford: B. Blackwell, 1948.
3. APA Style:
Locke, J. (1948). The second treatise of government. Oxford: Blackwell.
4. Harvard Style:
Locke, J., & Gough, J. (1948). The second treatise of government. Oxford: Blackwell.
It’s important to note that some editions may have different publication dates or editors, so be sure to check the specific details of the edition you are using when citing it.
Additionally, if you want to indicate the date of original publication, you can do so by adding it in brackets after the author’s name in Chicago Style (e.g., Locke, John [1689] 1948).
Introduction To John Locke’s Second Treatise Of Government
John Locke’s Second Treatise of Government is a seminal work in political philosophy, published in 1690. The treatise is divided into two books, with the second book outlining Locke’s theory of civil society. In this book, Locke argues that people are equal and possess natural rights in a state of nature, where natural law governs behavior. People eventually form societies to protect their property and liberties, and the government exists solely to serve the people. Locke’s model consists of a civil state built upon natural rights common to a people who welcome an executive power to protect their property and liberties. The government can be replaced or overthrown if it ceases to function toward that primary end. This article provides various citation formats for citing Locke’s Second Treatise of Government, depending on the edition and format used.
Understanding The Importance Of Properly Citing Sources
Properly citing sources is essential in any academic or professional writing. It not only gives credit to the original author, but it also allows readers to locate and verify the information being presented. Failing to properly cite sources can result in accusations of plagiarism, which can have serious consequences such as loss of credibility, legal action, or even expulsion from school or termination from a job.
There are different citation styles, such as MLA, APA, Chicago, and Harvard, each with its own set of rules for citing sources. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the specific style required for your assignment or publication and follow it consistently throughout your work.
When citing a source within the text, there are two common methods: using an introductory phrase or concluding with a parenthetical citation. The introductory phrase includes the author’s name and sets up the quote or paraphrase, while the parenthetical citation includes the author’s last name and page number. For longer summaries, it’s recommended to use both methods.
The information included in a parenthetical citation is usually the first item listed in the corresponding Works Cited or References page entry. This allows readers to easily locate the source and verify the information being presented.
Different Editions And Versions Of Second Treatise Of Government
There are several different editions and versions of John Locke’s Second Treatise of Government available for citation. One of the earliest versions was published anonymously in 1689, with the full title being “Two Treatises of Government: In the Former, The False Principles, and Foundation of Sir Robert Filmer, and His Followers, Are Detected and Overthrown. The Latter Is an Essay Concerning The True Original, Extent, and End of Civil Government”. This version includes both the First and Second Treatises, with the former being a refutation of patriarchalism in Robert Filmer’s work.
Another notable edition is the 1980 Hackett Publishing edition edited by C.B. Macpherson. This edition includes only the Second Treatise and is commonly cited in MLA style. It is important to note that this edition may not include all of the original text or may have additional commentary or annotations.
There are also other editions available, such as the 1948 Oxford edition which includes both the Second Treatise and A Letter Concerning Toleration. This edition is often cited in Chicago style and has been republished several times with different publishers.
It is important to carefully check the details of each edition when citing it, as there may be differences in publication dates, editors, and included content. Additionally, some editions may be available in different formats such as paperback or digital, which may require different citation styles.
MLA Citation Format For Second Treatise Of Government
If you are using MLA citation style, the format for citing John Locke’s Second Treatise of Government is as follows:
Locke, John. Second Treatise of Government. Edited by C. B. Macpherson, Hackett Publishing, 1980.
Alternatively, if you are using the Two Treatises of Government edition, the citation would be:
Locke, John. Two Treatises of Government. Phoenix, 1993.
If you are citing a specific section or chapter within the book, include that information after the title of the work. For example:
Locke, John. Second Treatise of Government. Edited by C. B. Macpherson, Hackett Publishing, 1980, chap. 2.
It’s important to note that if you are using a different edition or format than those listed above, you should consult the MLA Handbook or Purdue OWL for specific guidelines on how to cite your source accurately. Additionally, always double-check your citations for accuracy and completeness before submitting your work to ensure that you are giving proper credit to the original author and source material.
APA Citation Format For Second Treatise Of Government
When citing John Locke’s Second Treatise of Government in APA format, follow the following guidelines:
1. Start with the author’s last name, followed by their initials. In this case, it would be “Locke, J.”
2. Next, include the year of publication in parentheses. For the 1948 edition, it would be “(1948).”
3. Follow this with the title of the book, italicized and in title case: “The second treatise of government.”
4. Finally, include the place of publication and the publisher’s name: “Oxford: Blackwell.”
The complete citation in APA format for the 1948 edition of Locke’s Second Treatise of Government would be:
Locke, J. (1948). The second treatise of government. Oxford: Blackwell.
Remember to always double-check the specific details of the edition you are using to ensure accurate citation.
Chicago Citation Format For Second Treatise Of Government
The Chicago citation format for John Locke’s Second Treatise of Government is a bit different from other citation styles. In Chicago style, the original date of publication is often included in brackets after the author’s name. For example, if you were citing the 1948 edition of the Second Treatise of Civil Government and A Letter Concerning Toleration, your citation would look like this:
Locke, John [1689] 1948. Second Treatise of Civil Government and A Letter Concerning Toleration. Oxford: B. Blackwell.
If you were citing a different edition or translation, you would need to adjust the citation accordingly. It’s also important to include the specific details of the edition you are using, such as the editor’s name or the publisher’s location and name. By following these guidelines, you can create a clear and accurate citation for John Locke’s influential work on political philosophy.
