The Metaphysics of Locke's Labour View

Locke Studies, vol. 11: 73-106, 2011

34 Pages Posted: 16 Dec 2012

Date Written: 2011

Abstract

This paper is an evaluation of John Locke's labour theory of property. Section I sets out Locke's labour view. Section II addresses several possible objections, including against the conceptual coherence of Locke's argument, against the metaphysical implications of his view, as well as foundational criticisms of the moral significance of labour and of my relations with objects that are grounded in labour under certain conditions and circumstances. I attempt to address each of these criticisms in a Lockian spirit, which will require strange metaphysical moves. The final Section raises further objections that are more significant because they cannot be squared with the labour view.

Keywords: Property, Property Rights, Property Theory, John Locke, Locke, Labour, Labour theory of property

JEL Classification: B12, B31

Suggested Citation

Jaworski, Peter M., The Metaphysics of Locke's Labour View (2011). Locke Studies, vol. 11: 73-106, 2011, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2185063

Peter M. Jaworski (Contact Author)

Georgetown University ( email )

Washington, DC 20057
United States

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