The social contract

Definition

The social contract is a philosophical concept that outlines an implicit agreement between individuals and their governing body, where individuals consent to surrender some freedoms in exchange for protection of their remaining rights. This theory serves as a foundational idea in political philosophy, linking the legitimacy of authority to the collective agreement of the governed, and is critical in understanding the ideas of prominent thinkers and the development of democratic principles.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Key thinkers like Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau developed different versions of the social contract, each emphasizing different aspects of human nature and governance.
2. Hobbes believed that without a strong authority, life in the state of nature would be 'nasty, brutish, and short', leading people to accept an absolute monarchy for safety.
3. Locke's version emphasized individual rights and argued that governments must protect life, liberty, and property, with the right of rebellion if they fail to do so.
4. Rousseau introduced the idea of the 'general will', which represents the collective interests of the people, suggesting that true freedom comes from following laws that one has a hand in creating.
5. The social contract lays the groundwork for modern democratic theories by suggesting that legitimacy comes from the consent of the governed.

Review Questions

• Compare and contrast Hobbes' and Locke's views on the social contract and its implications for government authority.
  • Hobbes and Locke had fundamentally different views on the social contract. Hobbes argued for a strong, absolute authority to prevent chaos in a state of nature he described as violent and dangerous. In contrast, Locke believed in a government that is accountable to its citizens and must protect their natural rights. This difference highlights how Hobbes' view supports authoritarianism while Locke's paves the way for democratic principles based on individual rights.
• Discuss Rousseau's concept of the general will in relation to his interpretation of the social contract.
  • Rousseau's concept of the general will is central to his interpretation of the social contract. He believed that when individuals come together to form a collective society, they create a collective will that aims for the common good. This means that true freedom is achieved when people follow laws they have a role in creating. For Rousseau, democracy is not just about voting but ensuring that decisions reflect this general will for it to be legitimate.
• Evaluate how the concept of the social contract influences contemporary political thought and practice in democracies today.
  • The concept of the social contract continues to significantly influence contemporary political thought by grounding democratic governance in principles like consent, representation, and accountability. Modern democracies reflect these ideas through systems that require government officials to be elected by citizens who consent to their authority. Additionally, discussions around civil rights and responsibilities often stem from social contract theories, emphasizing that citizens have both rights protected by their government and duties towards it. This framework remains vital in addressing issues like political legitimacy and individual freedoms within democratic societies.

Related terms

Natural Rights: Fundamental rights that every individual possesses by virtue of being human, which include the rights to life, liberty, and property.

State of Nature: A theoretical condition that describes the existence of individuals without political authority or societal structures, often used to justify the need for a social contract.

Political Obligation: The moral duty of individuals to obey laws and support their government, stemming from the agreements established in the social contract.