NOTES ON THE CONCEPT OF INDIFFERENT THINGS IN THE LETTER OF JOHN LOCKE

Abstract

This text aims to trace some notes about the concept of indifferent things in the Charter about tolerance, of John Locke. It is divided into two stages: 1) In the first, we discuss the distinction between state and religion, showing that the nature, origin and purpose of each is different from the other. Moreover, it shows how the confusion between them makes the society is split, losing force, and as political leaders begin to seek in religion the way to come to power. 2) In the second, we analyze the critical Locke those who seek religion to come to power. For Locke this way should be avoided at all costs. Because of this, Locke develops a criterion for distinguishing between what should and what should not be legislated by the government, coming here the concept of indifferent things. With these two, we hope to contribute to the advancement of studies on Locke, in particular, the tolerance.