Passive Obedience

Passive Obedience is an essay published in 1712 by Irish philosopher George Berkeley that presents arguments for absolute submission to civil authority. Berkeley makes his case through systematic reasoning and moral philosophy rather than religious doctrine, though he was a prominent Anglican cleric. The text examines the relationship between individual conscience and state power, with Berkeley constructing a defense of non-resistance to governmental authority. His arguments center on moral law, the social contract, and the practical consequences of allowing rebellion against established rule. Berkeley engages directly with critics of absolute monarchy and addresses contentions about the right of resistance to tyranny. The work proceeds through structured philosophical proofs and rebuttals rather than appeals to scripture or tradition. The essay represents a key text in early modern political philosophy, particularly in its treatment of the tension between personal liberty and social order. Berkeley's defense of authority provides insight into 18th century debates about governance and individual rights that continue to resonate in political discourse.

Most readers discuss Passive Obedience as a philosophical text on political obligation and morality rather than giving personal reviews. The book receives minimal discussion in online forums and review sites. Readers appreciate: - Clear explanation of Berkeley's arguments for absolute obedience to government - Historical context of 1710s British politics - Connection to Berkeley's broader philosophical works Common criticisms: - Dense academic writing style - Dated political arguments that don't translate well to modern contexts - Limited scope compared to Berkeley's other works No ratings exist on Goodreads or Amazon. The book appears mainly in academic citations rather than consumer reviews. Professional philosopher George Pappas describes it as "an intelligent discussion of important issues in political theory" while noting its "limited influence on later political philosophy." The text remains primarily of interest to Berkeley scholars and students of early modern political philosophy rather than general readers.

Two Treatises of Government by John Locke This philosophical text examines civil society, natural rights, and moral obligations to political authority.

The Social Contract by Jean-Jacques Rousseau The work explores the relationship between individual citizens and the state, focusing on legitimate political authority and civil obligations.

Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes This political philosophy text establishes the foundations for social contract theory and examines the nature of governance and civil obedience.

On Liberty by John Stuart Mill The book presents a framework for the relationship between authority and liberty, examining the limits of power over individuals in society.

The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli This political treatise investigates the nature of leadership, governance, and the obligations between rulers and subjects.

🔹 Published in 1712, "Passive Obedience" was written while Berkeley was a young Fellow at Trinity College Dublin, during a time of political tension between Jacobite and Hanoverian supporters. 🔹 The book argues that citizens have an absolute moral duty to obey their government, even when they disagree with its actions - a controversial stance that Berkeley maintained even after witnessing the Jacobite Rising of 1715. 🔹 Berkeley wrote this work partly as a response to John Locke's arguments supporting the right of revolution, making it an important text in the philosophical debate about civil disobedience. 🔹 Despite its political focus, the book also contains Berkeley's earliest published discussion of his moral philosophy, including his views on the relationship between divine law and human reason. 🔹 The title "Passive Obedience" comes from a doctrine that was particularly associated with the Anglican Church, which taught that Christians must submit to legitimate authority while maintaining the right to refuse actively participating in wrongdoing.