Algernon Sidney fut un théoricien politique républicain anglais dont l'œuvre devint une pierre angulaire de la pensée occidentale. Dans son œuvre la plus célèbre, Discourses Concerning Government, Sidney contesta la théorie du droit divin des rois, proposant des concepts tels que le gouvernement limité et le droit des citoyens de modifier ou d'abolir un gouvernement corrompu. Ses idées, qui influencèrent profondément la fondation des États-Unis et furent qualifiées de « manuel de la révolution américaine », lui coûtèrent finalement la vie. Bien qu'exécuté pour ses convictions, Sidney perdura comme un vénéré patriote, héros et martyr Whig.
Written in response to Sir Robert Filmer’s Patriarcha (1680), the Discourses Concerning Government by Algernon Sidney (1623–1683) has been treasured for more than three centuries as a classic defense of republicanism and popular government. Thomas G. West is Paul and Dawn Potter Professor of Politics, Hillsdale College.
The dialogue structure of Court Maxims offers a dynamic exploration of government principles and political practices, reflecting Algernon Sidney's radical republican ideals during his exile. This recently rediscovered manuscript, written before his execution in 1683 for opposing Charles II, provides crucial insights into the international dimensions of 17th-century republican thought. Its vivid discussions contribute significantly to understanding the republican tradition amidst the backdrop of absolutism, making it an essential text for scholars of early modern political theory.
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