Exploring the Social Contract
The social contract tradition has a long history, dating back to ancient Greek philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle. However, it was during the Enlightenment period of the 17th and 18th centuries that the social contract theory gained prominence in political philosophy. In this lesson, we will explore some of the key thinkers in the social contract tradition.
One of the most famous social contract theorists is Thomas Hobbes. In his book Leviathan, Hobbes argued that humans are naturally selfish and violent, and that life without a strong government would be "nasty, brutish, and short." He believed that individuals should give up some of their freedoms in exchange for protection from the government. This idea of a social contract between individuals and the government is a central theme in his work.
Another important social contract theorist is John Locke. Locke believed that humans are born with natural rights, such as the right to life, liberty, and property. He argued that governments are formed by individuals to protect these rights, and that individuals have the right to overthrow a government that fails to do so. This idea of popular sovereignty, or the idea that the people are the ultimate authority in government, is a central theme in Locke's work.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau is another key thinker in the social contract tradition. In his book The Social Contract, Rousseau argued that the only legitimate source of political authority is the general will of the people. He believed that individuals should give up some of their freedoms in order to become part of a community, and that the government should be a reflection of the general will of the people.
Overall, the social contract tradition has been shaped by many different thinkers over the centuries. While there are many different interpretations of the social contract theory, it remains an important concept in political philosophy today.
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