Social Contract

Definition

The social contract is a philosophical concept that describes an implicit agreement among individuals to form a society and abide by its rules and norms in exchange for protection and the benefits of communal living. It highlights the relationship between citizens and their government, suggesting that political authority is derived from the consent of the governed, creating a moral and political foundation for society's structure.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The social contract theory is primarily associated with Enlightenment philosophers like Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, each providing different views on the nature of the contract.
2. Hobbes believed that to escape a chaotic state of nature, individuals must give up certain freedoms and submit to absolute authority in exchange for security.
3. Locke argued that the social contract protects natural rights and that if a government fails to do so, citizens have the right to revolt.
4. Rousseau introduced the idea of the 'general will,' emphasizing that the social contract should reflect the collective interests of the community rather than individual desires.
5. The concept of social contract has influenced modern democratic theories by underscoring the importance of citizen participation in governance and accountability.

Review Questions

• How does the social contract justify the existence of government and its authority over individuals?
  • The social contract justifies government authority by asserting that individuals consent, either explicitly or implicitly, to surrender some personal freedoms in exchange for protection and the benefits of living within a structured society. This mutual agreement creates a moral obligation for citizens to adhere to laws while empowering governments to enact rules for societal order. Thus, political authority is seen as legitimate only when it reflects the consent of those being governed.
• Compare and contrast Hobbes' and Locke's views on the social contract and its implications for individual rights.
  • Hobbes viewed the social contract as a necessity for avoiding chaos in a state of nature, leading individuals to give up most freedoms for security under an absolute sovereign. In contrast, Locke believed that the social contract exists primarily to protect natural rights, such as life, liberty, and property. While Hobbes emphasized obedience to authority for stability, Locke advocated for rebellion against governments that fail to uphold these rights, highlighting differing implications for individual freedoms.
• Evaluate how Rousseau's concept of the 'general will' impacts modern democratic thought regarding governance and citizenship.
  • Rousseau's 'general will' significantly impacts modern democratic thought by suggesting that true sovereignty lies with the collective interests of the people rather than individual desires. This perspective encourages participatory governance where citizens actively engage in decision-making processes to ensure their needs are met. By framing democracy as a reflection of the general will, Rousseau challenges autocratic rule and promotes accountability in leadership, establishing foundations for contemporary democratic ideals focused on civic responsibility.

Related terms

Consent of the Governed: The principle that governments derive their legitimacy from the approval and agreement of the people they govern.

Natural Rights: Rights that individuals possess inherently, such as life, liberty, and property, which governments must respect and protect.

Hobbesian Theory: The perspective proposed by Thomas Hobbes suggesting that in a state of nature, individuals act solely in their self-interest, leading to chaos; thus, a strong central authority is needed to maintain order.