Property and charity in Locke: a critical analysis of Juliana Udi’s interpretative proposal

Abstract

This work presents a critical analysis of Juliana Udi’s interpretation of the role that charity plays in Locke’s theory of property. In order to do this, we first explain the predominant interpretation of this theory, based on the work of two of its main authors: Leo Strauss and C. B. Macpherson. Secondly,we expound the main arguments and characteristics of Udi's reading of charity
in Locke. Thirdly, we present our criticisms and constructive observations on her proposal. We conclude by proposing a categorization that explains, nonsynthetically, the tensions existing in the Lockean Corpus.