John Locke and The Rights Of Children :: Empiricists, Empiricism

Locke firmly denies Filmers system that it is mor every last(predicate)y permissible for p atomic number 18nts to treat their children however they please "They who allege the devote of Mankind, for exposing or selling their Children, as a Proof of their Power everywhere them, are with Sir Rob. happy Arguers, and cannot but recommend their Opinion by foundation it on the most shameful Action, and most un inwrought Murder, humane temperament is capable of." (First Treatise, sec.56) Rather, Locke argues that children have the same moral rights as any otherwise person, though the childs inadequate mental faculties make it permissible for his parents to rule over him to a limited degree. "Thus we are born Free, as we are born Rational not that we have actually the Exercise of any Age that brings one, brings with it the other too." (Second Treatise, sec.61) On top of this, he affirms a postive, non-contractual trade of parents to provide for their offspring " But to supply the Defects of this imperfect State, till the good of Growth and Age hath removed them, Adam and Eve, and after them all Parents were, by the Law of Nature, under an responsibleness to preserve, nourish, and educate the Children, they had begotten." (Second Treatise, sec.56) Apparently, then, Locke believes that parents may overrule grownup choices that their children might make, including self-regarding actions. Leaving aside Lockes duty of self- preservation, his theory permits adults to do as they wish with their own bodies. But this is not the case for children, because their lack of rationality prevents them from making sensible choices. To permit a willful child from victorious serious risks to his health or safety even if he wants to is permissible on this theory. Parents (and other adults as well) also seem to have a duty to refrain from taking advantage of the childs weak rational faculties to execution or abuse him. On top of this, Locke affirms tha t parents have enforceable obligation to preserve, nourish, and educate their children not because they consented to do so, but because they have a natural duty to do so. 2. The Problem of Positive Parental Duties The first obstacle with Lockes theory of childrens rights is that the positive duty of parents to raise their children seems inconsistent with his overall approach. If, as Locke tells us, "Reason teaches all mankind, who will but consult it, that being all equal and