Conceptions of the Social Contract Theory

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Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean Jacques Rousseau were political philosophers who formulated their own version of the social contract theory. The social contract theory is a treaty or an agreement that developed a set of laws, organized a functional society, and created the need to be governed. It was put into place when man realized that there was no law. Mankind eventually sought the desire for security and order. To receive security and order people shall voluntarily give up all their rights and freedoms and be obedient to some sort of authority. The social contract theory is made up of two agreements known as, “Pactum Unionis” and “Pactum Subjectionis”. The “Pactum Unionis” agreement would help the people with their troubles and hardships by teaching them to value and protect their livelihoods and property because these things are now being saw as vital to survival for all of mankind. In addition, order would allow people to live alongside one another in peace and harmony. This would drastically increase the value man can get out of life creating respect. On the other hand, “Pactum Subjectionis” agreement would help the people with their troubles and hardships by uniting them together and getting them to pledge that they would obey and surrender to authority. The authority will assure everyone protection over their life, property, and liberty; although, liberty would only be protected to a certain extent. These two agreements are the reason why we have a government in present day. Thomas Hobbes’ version of the social contract is also known as his legal theory or the Hobbesian theory. He published a book titled “Leviathan” which outlined his conception of the social contract. Hobbes believed in absolute sovereignty,... ... middle of paper ... ... and confusing as well because he had two concepts. Though, after reading and researching I was able to understand and agree with his concepts. In the first concept, he mentions that mankind lived happy lives during the state of nature and he explains the transition from the state of nature to present day life. He says that the reason for transition would be that population increased causing people to have to interact with each other which would ultimately end with conflict. Works Cited Cahn, Steven M. 2011/April 24,2014 Political philosophy: the essential texts. 2nd ed. New York: Oxford University Press. Dunning, Wm. A. Septemper 1909/April 22, 2014. The Political Theories of Jean Jacques Rousseau. The Academy of Political Science Lessnoff, Michael H. 1986/April 20, 2014. Social contract. Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey: Humanities Press Internationa.

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