Social contract theory

Definition

Social contract theory is a political philosophy that explores the origin and legitimacy of governmental authority, positing that individuals consent to form a society and establish a government to protect their rights and ensure order. This concept emphasizes the agreement among individuals to create and abide by laws for mutual benefit, serving as a foundation for democratic governance and individual rights.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Social contract theory has roots in the works of philosophers like Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau, each presenting different perspectives on the agreement between individuals and their governments.
2. Hobbes believed that without a social contract, life would be 'nasty, brutish, and short,' advocating for absolute monarchy as the solution for societal chaos.
3. Locke's version of social contract theory emphasizes natural rights and the government's duty to protect them, asserting that citizens have the right to revolt if their rights are violated.
4. Rousseau argued that true freedom comes from following the 'general will' of the community rather than individual desires, highlighting the importance of collective agreement.
5. The Declaration of Independence draws heavily on social contract theory by asserting that governments derive their powers from the consent of the governed and outlining the right of people to overthrow oppressive regimes.

Review Questions

• How does social contract theory explain the formation of governments and the role of citizens in this process?
  • Social contract theory explains that governments are formed when individuals come together and agree to create a governing body that will protect their natural rights. This agreement implies that citizens consent to follow laws established by this government in exchange for security and order. In essence, individuals surrender some freedoms for the sake of collective safety and well-being, thus legitimizing governmental authority through mutual agreement.
• Compare and contrast the views of Hobbes and Locke regarding social contract theory and its implications for government authority.
  • Hobbes and Locke both contributed to social contract theory but had contrasting views on human nature and government authority. Hobbes viewed humans as inherently self-interested and chaotic, advocating for a strong central authority to maintain order through absolute monarchy. In contrast, Locke believed humans are rational beings capable of self-governance and emphasized protecting natural rights. He argued that governments should be limited in power and accountable to the people, allowing for rebellion against tyranny. These differing perspectives shaped foundational ideas about governance in American political philosophy.
• Evaluate how social contract theory influenced the philosophical underpinnings of the Declaration of Independence and its call for revolution against British rule.
  • Social contract theory profoundly influenced the Declaration of Independence by establishing the idea that governments must be based on the consent of the governed. The document articulates that when a government fails to protect individual rights or becomes tyrannical, citizens have not only the right but also the duty to alter or abolish it. This perspective reflects Locke's teachings on natural rights and government accountability, fueling revolutionary sentiment against British rule and laying a philosophical foundation for American democracy.

Related terms

Natural Rights: Fundamental rights that individuals are born with, such as life, liberty, and property, which social contract theory aims to protect.

Consent of the Governed: The principle that a government's legitimacy comes from the consent of its citizens, a key aspect of social contract theory.

Thomas Hobbes: A philosopher who contributed significantly to social contract theory, arguing in favor of a strong central authority to avoid chaos in his work 'Leviathan'.