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Social Contract Theory

Social Contract Theory. Social Contract. a concept used in philosophy and political science to define an agreement within a state regarding the rights and responsibilities of the state and its citizens

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Social Contract Theory

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  1. Social Contract Theory

  2. Social Contract • a concept used in philosophy and political science to define an agreement within a state regarding the rights and responsibilities of the state and its citizens • All members of a society are assumed to agree to the terms of the social contract by their choice to stay within the society without violating the contract and returning to the state of nature • What is the US’s Social Contract?

  3. The US Constitution • The US’s Social Contract, or Constitution is the longest surviving contract between any government and its people in the modern world. • Why do you think that is?

  4. Social Contract Philosophers • Jean Jacques Rousseau • June 28, 1712 – July 2, 1778 • Geneva-born philosopher of the Enlightenment whose political ideas influenced the French Revolution

  5. Social Contract Philosophers • John Locke • Aug 29, 1632 – Oct 28, 1704 • British Philosopher who had an enormous influence on the development of political philosophy and the Enlightenment

  6. Social Contract Philosophers • Thomas Hobbes • April 5, 1588–Dec 4, 1679 • English philosopher, whose famous 1651 book Leviathan set the agenda for nearly all subsequent Western political philosophy.

  7. Social Contract Theory • a political theory that attempts to explain the justification and purpose of the state and of human rights • Hobbes' argued that without society, we would live in a state of nature, where we each have unlimited natural freedoms, therefore this contract should be fixed. • What could be a problem with this?

  8. Social Contract Theory • Locke and Rousseau argue that this contract is not fixed and it must be to the benefit of all • If it is not, there must be a way to change it. What could be some of these ways?

  9. Social Contract Theory • Since rights come from agreeing to the contract, those who don’t comply by committing crimes, risk losing some of their rights, and the rest of society can be expected to protect itself against criminals. • What are some ways to lose your rights? • To be a member of society is to accept responsibility for following its rules, along with the threat of punishment for violating them.

  10. Effects of Social Contract Theory • The Social Contract Theory grew out of the Enlightenment period. What were some political/social/economic characteristics of that time? • What are some examples in history where this theory was applied to societies?

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