OVERVIEW
In this topic, we are going to discuss the theory of social contract in which people give up all their natural rights and freedoms to form the government and society. Further ahead we will also discuss the opinions of thinkers and variations of this theory. So, let’s start first by knowing about the theory.
THEORY OF SOCIAL CONTRACT
The concept in political philosophy about how people come together to form a society or government is referred to as the social contract theory. Here are some key ideas: social contract theory starts with a critical idea in which people live with any formal laws or governments; this is the state of nature. In this theory, people of the state often give up their rights and freedoms to form a society and government. This contract helps in the formation of government and laws that protect the individual rights of people and serve their common good.
THINKERS AND VARIATION
There are many ways in which this theory has been fleshed out by different philosophers. Some thinkers like Thomas Hobbes think that people have hidden the disorderly state to form a strong government. On the other hand, thinkers like John Locke suggest that a social contract is just a way to protect individuals’ rights and freedoms such as the right to property, liberty, life, etc.
CONCLUSION
So today in this topic we have learned that the social contract is a theory that is very important to think about as it tells us about the purpose of government and the link between the state and its citizens. While talking about this some questions arise such as what suggests the role of citizen and government power in upholding the social contract. It helps in criticism of the government which doesn’t protect the rights of its citizens or take action for people’s common good.
