Critically examine the contradictions in Locke’s liberalism with respect to colonialism, race, and exclusion. How do his theories of natural law and property relate to imperial expansion and dispossession? Can his liberalism be reconciled with modern critiques of decolonization, racial justice, and global inequality?

2nd March 20252nd November 2025 ~ Polity Prober

John Locke, known as the father of liberalism, emphasized natural rights and government by consent. However, his theories have been criticized for justifying colonialism, slavery, and excluding marginalized groups. This essay explores the contradictions in Locke’s philosophy, questioning its universality and relevance to contemporary discussions on justice and equality.