Locke's Political Thought and the Oceans

This book examines John Locke’s political thought and activity surrounding oceans with a focus on law and freedom at sea. By examining Locke’s Two Treatises of Government alongside his work on England’s Board of Trade, this book shows how his theoretical ideas were translated into laws and policies about issues such as piracy and slavery.

Sarah Pemberton is an independent scholar (PhD).

Chapter 1: Who Owns the Oceans? Locke's Theory of Property at Sea Chapter 2: "Robbers and Pyrates": Locke's Theory of Natural Law at Sea Chapter 3: Locke's War on Piracy Chapter 4: Locke's Theory of Penal Slavery Chapter 5: Locke's Theory on Forced Military Service