Social Contract Theory

Definition

Social contract theory is a philosophical concept that suggests individuals consent, either explicitly or implicitly, to form a society and accept certain moral and political obligations in exchange for protection and the benefits of organized community life. This theory is crucial in understanding the foundation of human rights, as it establishes the idea that governments derive their authority from the consent of the governed, thereby placing value on individual rights within societal structures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Social contract theory has roots in Enlightenment thought, influencing many political philosophers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
2. Locke's version of social contract theory emphasizes that individuals have natural rights that governments must protect; failure to do so justifies rebellion.
3. Rousseau argued that social contracts are made collectively by free individuals, leading to a general will that reflects the common good.
4. Social contract theory serves as a foundational concept for modern democracies, highlighting the importance of individual rights in relation to state authority.
5. The theory has been used to critique various forms of governance, advocating for systems that respect and uphold human rights as part of the social contract.

Review Questions

• How does social contract theory connect individual rights to the establishment of government authority?
  • Social contract theory posits that individuals agree to form a government in exchange for protection and societal benefits. This mutual agreement underscores the importance of individual rights; if a government fails to uphold these rights, it breaches the social contract. Therefore, the legitimacy of governmental power is intrinsically linked to its ability to safeguard the rights and freedoms of its citizens.
• Evaluate the differences between Hobbes’ and Locke’s perspectives on social contract theory and their implications for human rights.
  • Hobbes believed in a strong central authority to maintain order, suggesting that individuals must surrender certain freedoms for security. In contrast, Locke argued for limited government designed to protect natural rights, asserting that if a government fails this duty, citizens have the right to revolt. These differing views shape how human rights are perceived; Hobbes emphasizes order over rights, while Locke prioritizes individual liberties as essential.
• Synthesize how social contract theory has influenced modern human rights discussions and political movements.
  • Social contract theory has profoundly influenced contemporary discussions on human rights by framing them as inherent entitlements that governments must protect. This theoretical foundation has inspired political movements advocating for democracy and civil liberties, illustrating how citizens can demand accountability from their governments. The evolution of this concept continues to shape modern understandings of justice and governance, emphasizing that political authority must align with the protection of individual rights.

Related terms

Natural Rights:

Fundamental rights that individuals possess by virtue of being human, such as the right to life, liberty, and property, which social contract theorists argue must be protected by government.

Consent of the Governed: The principle that a government's legitimacy and moral authority depend on the consent of its people, essential to social contract theory.

Thomas Hobbes: A philosopher known for his work 'Leviathan,' where he argued for a strong central authority to avoid chaos and conflict, emphasizing the necessity of a social contract.