Abstract

CHUMBITA, Joan. Displacement in Locke's Theory of Property: From the Criterion of Necessity to the Theory of Value to Justify the English Colonization of America. Cuyo [online]. 2011, vol.28, n.2, pp.25-52. ISSN 1853-3175.

Locke's theory of property appears in the context of the state of nature, whose empirical correlate is the English colonization of America. This is the basis upon which three elements can be articulated: the appeal to theology in order to found unilaterally private property anywhere in the world; the change from the criterion of necessity to the theory of value to justify private property; and the assumption of abundance which makes it possible without having recourse to political pact or social consensus. In this sense, if Locke's theory of property has come to be essential to legitimize the liberalism which modelled America since the English colonization and the American constitution, the fact that America is the example for its earliest and most distinguished theorist, allows to a better understanding of the essential nature of the relationship between liberalism and colonialism.

Keywords : Theory of Property; Colonization; America; Criterion of Necessity; Theory of Value.

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