THE SOCIAL

CONTRACT THEORY
During the Enlightenment, social philosophers
pondered the natural laws that govern human societies,
and in their discussions, several philosophers put forth
their theories regarding the formation of societies.
• Enlightenment philosophers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and
Jean Jacques Rousseau were among the most prominent social
theorists who tackled the origins of human society. To fully understand
the true character of society, they imagined humans as living in a so-
called "natural state," removed from modernity and civilization.
Examining humans in their natural state afforded these philosophers an
opportunity to discuss the origins of society and relate them to other
concepts such as man's intrinsic nature and liberty. Various views
emerged to explain the developments that brought about the emergence
of human society.
• For Thomas Hobbes, persons in their natural states are
governed by their desires and these often lead to conflict with
their fellowmen. Society, therefore, is the means by which
people seek to control their natural tendencies and impose
order, Individuals who establish societies enter into a "social
contract" - an agreement where individuals sacrifice an
amount of their freedom and submit to a higher authority. In
this way, society is able to function and meet the needs of the
many, ensuring the survival of humanity.
• John Locke proposed his own ideas on the social contract with a
different assumption Unlike Hobbes, Locke considered persons in
their natural states as more cooperative and reasonable, and that
society is formed through the consent of the individuals that
organized it. This concept is known as the consent of the governed.
Locke's social contract is a covenant among individuals to cooperate
and share the burden of upholding the welfare of society. Also, the
authority established to run society should reflect the ideals of the
people who organized it. Should this authority fall to uphold its
obligation or live up to the ideals of the people, it will be discarded
and replaced with a new one.
• Jean Jacques Rousseau's ideas on the social contract led
him to advocate the concept of the "general will."
Rousseau believed that even if the people are the ones
who organized society and established an authority or
government, in extreme cases, the government is able to
impose its will on the people. This is based on the
assumption that the people have empowered the
government to act on their behalf, and that it is considered
to be the best judge of what is most beneficial for society
.
• More recent views on the social contract give emphasis to individual decision-making in
society. John Rawls redefined the social contract and explained that human beings
approach social cooperation in a rational manner in order to meet their individual self-
interests. Rawls introduced a version of the natural state which he called the original
position to explain social formation. He imagined humans as having a "vell of ignorance,
or no knowledge of one's own characteristics such as gender, race, or social status. In this
state, humans would naturally seek a just and fair society in an effort to look out for their
own interests. David Gauthier described people's self-interest as a significant factor in
building and maintaining societies. People choose to cooperate since it is beneficial to
meet their self-interests. But this selfish interest benefits society as a whole, since the
actions of individuals in meeting their individual needs also further the interests of the
other members of society.
• Although there are variations on the social contract theory, perhaps one
common feature they all have is the fact that the different individuals enter
into a kind of agreement with one another to form a society. Individual
members put aside their self-interest in order to create a community where
they may live in harmony with others. It is important to note that in a
society, one is not compromised for the sake of the other: the individual is
not in any way violated for the sake of the community and vice versa.
Only a society which ensures the development of the individual and his or
her community may be considered a proper and humanizing society.
• It is important to note that society is founded on the concept of the
common good. Philosophers who discussed the origins of society traced
the emergence of society to the human desire to achieve the goal of
survival. Apart from this, human beings are compelled to come together,
establish relationships with each other, and work together as a united
group because of the natural desire for goodness. Our nature as human
persons drives us to do what is good, and we recognize that other persons
also desire goodness as well. When more than one person desires and
works to achieve the same good, then it can be said that a common good
exists among them.
• The common good refers to the social conditions which enable persons and
groups to fulfill their goals and achieve well-being. On a larger scale, examples of
the common good may include peace within the community, clean and safe public
spaces, an efficient transport system, and efficient public service. The common
good applies to all members of society. This means that not only do all members
benefit from it, all have the responsibility to work for it. By working to attain the
common good, a person is now able to create opportunities for himself or herself
as well as others. The collective effort of individual persons towards the common
good ensures that each member of the community will be able to live in a world
where they can pursue their own perfection and fulfillment.
Small Summary For The Social Contact Theory
• Enlightenment philosophers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and
Jean Jacques Rousseau were among the most prominent social
theorists who tackled the origins of human society.
• "social contract" - an agreement where individuals sacrifice an amount
of their freedom and submit to a higher authority.
• Locke considered persons in their natural states as more cooperative and
reasonable, and that society is formed through the consent of the
individuals that organized it. This concept is known as the consent of
the governed
• General will- Rousseau believed that even if the people are the ones who
organized society and established an authority or government, in extreme
cases, the government is able to impose its will on the people.
• Rawls introduced a version of the natural state which he called the original
position to explain social formation. He imagined humans as having a "vell of
ignorance, or no knowledge of one's own characteristics such as gender, race,
or social status.
• . David Gauthier described people's self-interest as a significant factor in
building and maintaining societies.
• The common good refers to the social conditions which enable persons and
groups to fulfill their goals and achieve well-being.