Social Contract

Definition

A social contract is an implicit agreement among the members of a society to cooperate for social benefits. It involves sacrificing some individual freedom for state protection.

Related terms

Natural Rights: These are rights that individuals inherently possess regardless of legal systems or societal norms, such as life, liberty, and property.

John Locke: An influential Enlightenment thinker known for his ideas about government power coming from the consent of the governed and natural rights.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Another key Enlightenment philosopher who expanded on the idea of a social contract, arguing it was necessary for civil society and law creation.