The social contract

Definition

The social contract is a philosophical concept that suggests individuals consent, either explicitly or implicitly, to form a society and abide by its rules in exchange for protection and the benefits of communal living. This idea became a foundational principle during the Enlightenment, influencing literature and political thought as thinkers explored the relationship between individuals and the authority of the state.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The social contract theory became a central theme during the Enlightenment, as philosophers questioned traditional authority and proposed new ideas about governance based on consent.
2. John Locke's interpretation of the social contract highlighted natural rights, claiming that if a government violates these rights, citizens have the right to revolt.
3. Hobbes viewed the social contract as necessary to escape a brutal state of nature, advocating for a strong central authority to maintain peace and order.
4. Rousseau's version emphasized democracy and collective decision-making, proposing that legitimate political authority comes from a collective agreement among free individuals.
5. The social contract laid the groundwork for modern democratic principles and continues to influence contemporary political philosophy and discussions about individual rights.

Review Questions

• How did Enlightenment thinkers use the concept of the social contract to challenge existing governmental structures?
  • Enlightenment thinkers used the social contract to argue that governments derive their legitimacy from the consent of the governed rather than divine right or tradition. This shift in thinking allowed philosophers like Locke, Hobbes, and Rousseau to propose new models of governance based on individual rights, security, and collective will. By asserting that citizens could withdraw their consent if governments failed to protect their rights, these thinkers fundamentally challenged existing political structures and paved the way for modern democratic ideals.
• In what ways did John Locke's interpretation of the social contract differ from Thomas Hobbes' view?
  • John Locke's interpretation of the social contract emphasized natural rights and limited government, arguing that individuals have inherent rights to life, liberty, and property. He believed that governments must protect these rights and could be overthrown if they fail to do so. In contrast, Thomas Hobbes saw the social contract as a means to escape an anarchic state of nature where life was 'solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.' For Hobbes, individuals needed to surrender certain freedoms to a powerful sovereign who could maintain order and security.
• Evaluate how Rousseau's view of the social contract contributes to our understanding of democracy today.
  • Rousseau's view of the social contract introduced crucial ideas about collective will and participatory governance that remain relevant in contemporary democracy. He argued that true freedom is achieved when individuals collectively agree on laws they must follow, emphasizing active participation in civic life. This notion laid a philosophical foundation for democratic principles such as popular sovereignty and civic responsibility. By advocating for a society where individuals engage in shaping their governance, Rousseau influenced modern democratic movements that strive for equality and collective decision-making.

Related terms

John Locke:

An influential Enlightenment thinker who argued that individuals have natural rights and that the legitimacy of government derives from the consent of the governed.

Thomas Hobbes: A philosopher known for his work 'Leviathan', where he proposed that humans enter into a social contract to escape the chaos of the state of nature, surrendering some freedoms for security.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau:

An Enlightenment philosopher who emphasized the importance of collective will in his concept of the social contract, arguing that true freedom comes from participation in forming the general will of society.