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Single Idea 19913

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / A. Freedoms / 1. Slavery]

Full Idea

A master forfeits the dominion over his slaves whom he hath abandoned.

Gist of Idea

A master forfeits ownership of slaves he abandons

Source

John Locke (Second Treatise of Government [1690], 237)

A Reaction

How often did slave owners take a day off, I wonder? Presumably slaves will take back their freedom, even if the masters haven't 'forfeited' their ownership, so Locke's point is fairly academic.

Book Reference

Locke,John: 'Two Treatises of Government' [Everyman 1988], p.239