Locke, Cranston and the case for toleration

This paper focuses on one of the most established names in twentieth century Locke studies, Maurice Cranston, and considers Cranston’s interpretation of John Locke’s theory of toleration. It argues that Cranston misunderstands Locke’s theory at several basic and fundamental points. By considering Cranston’s interpretation of Locke, and its pitfalls, we are able to gain a clearer understanding of Locke’s theory itself. This in itself is worthwhile given the contemporary salience of that theory, one commentator even insisting that current discussions of religious toleration have not advanced beyond the definitive framework that Locke established for this issue over three hundred years ago.