فلسفة التسامح عند جون لوك وأثرها في بناء الدولة المدنية

Abstract

This study examines the concept of religious tolerance in the philosophy of John Locke as one of the fundamental pillars in the formation of modern political thought. It begins with an analysis of the historical and intellectual context in which Locke’s ideas emerged, a context marked by intense religious conflicts that prompted a reconsideration of the role of the state and the limits of its authority in matters of belief. The study demonstrates that tolerance in Locke’s thought is not understood as a merely moral attitude, but rather as a rational principle aimed at protecting freedom of conscience and ensuring social stability.

 The research also highlights the foundations upon which Locke defended the separation between civil authority and religious affairs, emphasizing that the function of the state is confined to regulating worldly interests and safeguarding rights, without interference in individuals’ beliefs. Furthermore, the study analyzes the limits of this conception by examining the conditions Locke imposed on the practice of tolerance and their impact on the effectiveness of this principle. It concludes that Locke’s philosophy of tolerance retains significant intellectual value for understanding issues of religious coexistence, despite differences in contemporary historical and social contexts.