Social Contract
Definition
A social contract is an implicit agreement among the members of a society to cooperate for mutual benefits. It often involves individuals giving up some personal freedoms and submitting to authority in exchange for protection of their remaining rights.
Analogy
Think of a social contract like the rules in a game of soccer. Everyone agrees to follow certain rules (like no handballs or offside violations) so that the game can be played fairly and everyone can enjoy it. In return, they get the benefit of playing in a safe, organized environment where their rights as players are protected.
Related terms
Natural Rights: These are basic rights that all humans are born with, such as life, liberty, and property. They're considered inherent and universal.
State of Nature: This term refers to a condition where no government or laws exist at all - kind of like playing soccer without any rules or referees.
Sovereignty: This is the supreme power or authority within a territory - like how the referee has final say on decisions during a soccer match.
"Social Contract" appears in:
Study guides (2)
Practice Questions (3)
- What is the role of the social contract in a democratic society according to the study guide?
- In terms of democratic ideals, what does "social contract" refer to?
- What role has the principle of social contract played in shaping modern American views on government's responsibility towards its citizens?
Resources
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