Robert Filmer

Sir Robert Filmer was an influential 17th-century English political theorist and author known primarily for his defense of the divine right of kings. His most significant work, "Patriarcha," which was published after his death in 1680, presented arguments for absolute monarchy and became a central text in political debates of the period. Born into the landed gentry in Kent around 1588, Filmer studied at Trinity College, Cambridge, and later became a Justice of the Peace. Though trained in law at Lincoln's Inn, he devoted himself primarily to developing political theories that supported monarchical authority and traditional hierarchical social structures. Filmer's political philosophy centered on the idea that political authority derived from the patriarchal power given by God to Adam, which was then passed down through kings. His works attracted significant opposition from Whig political thinkers, most notably John Locke, who wrote his "Two Treatises of Government" largely as a rebuttal to Filmer's arguments. Beyond "Patriarcha," Filmer produced several other political works, including critiques of major political philosophers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Milton, and Aristotle. His writings became particularly relevant during the English Civil War period, when questions of monarchical authority were at the forefront of political discourse.

Most readers encounter Filmer's "Patriarcha" only in academic settings, with reviewers noting it primarily serves as a historical counterpoint to John Locke's writings. Readers appreciate: - Clear articulation of divine right theory - Historical insight into 17th century monarchist thought - Straightforward writing style compared to contemporaries Common criticisms: - Arguments seen as outdated and poorly reasoned - Repetitive points throughout text - Selective use of biblical references to support claims On Goodreads, "Patriarcha" averages 2.8/5 stars from 25 ratings. Multiple reviewers label it "important to read but difficult to agree with." Amazon reviews (12 total) average 3.2/5, with academic readers rating it higher than general readers. One doctoral student reviewer noted: "Filmer presents monarchy's strongest case, which reveals how weak that case is." Another wrote: "The text's value lies in understanding what Locke argued against, not in Filmer's arguments themselves."

Patriarcha (published 1680) A detailed defense of absolute monarchy and patriarchal power, arguing that royal authority is derived from the divine right God gave to Adam, which was passed down through kings.

The Anarchy of a Limited or Mixed Monarchy (1648) A critique of parliamentary sovereignty and mixed government systems, particularly targeting Philip Hunton's treatise on constitutional monarchy.

The Necessity of the Absolute Power of All Kings (1648) An examination of monarchical authority that argues for the indivisible nature of sovereign power.

Observations Concerning the Originall of Government (1652) A systematic analysis of political authority that challenges the concepts of natural rights and popular sovereignty.

Observations upon Aristotles Politiques (1652) A critical examination of Aristotle's political theories, particularly focusing on his concepts of natural equality and citizenship.

The Free-holders Grand Inquest (1648) A discussion of English constitutional history that defends monarchical prerogatives against parliamentary claims.

Quaestio Quodlibetica (1653) An exploration of contemporary political debates focusing on the nature of political power and authority.

Thomas Hobbes He wrote extensively about absolute sovereignty and monarchical power in "Leviathan" and other works. His theories about social contract and political authority intersect with Filmer's ideas about monarchy, making him relevant to readers interested in 17th-century political thought.

Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet His work "Politics Derived from the Very Words of Holy Scripture" presents theological arguments for divine-right monarchy similar to Filmer's views. Bossuet's writings focus on the relationship between church, state, and monarchical authority in ways that parallel Filmer's arguments.

Jean Bodin In "Six Books of the Commonwealth," he developed theories about sovereignty and absolute monarchy that preceded Filmer's work. His ideas about the nature of political power and authority influenced the development of absolutist political theory.

John Selden His historical and legal scholarship on English monarchy and constitutional matters provides context for Filmer's political theories. Selden's work on natural law and political authority complements Filmer's writings about monarchical power.

James VI and I His writings on divine right monarchy in "The True Law of Free Monarchies" align with Filmer's political philosophy. His works as both theorist and monarch provide practical context for the absolutist ideas Filmer promoted.