Social Contract Theory

SOCIAL CONTRACT THEORY

Author: NUPUR TRIVEDI

(POLITICAL SCIENCE, MAJOR)

Email:nupurtrivedi.hnlu@gmail.com

HIDAYATULLAH NATIONAL LAW UNIVERSITY

RAIPUR, C.G.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgement 3

Research Methodology 4

Introduction 5

Socrates’ Argument 6

Social Contract Theory- Introduction 8

Exponents of the theory 9

Views of the exponents of social contract theory

Thomas Hobbes 10

John Locke 12

Jean Jacques Rousseau 15

Criticisms 19

Conclusion 21

References 22

Research Methodology

The objective of this project is to study the origin of the state in the perspective of Social Contract Theories given by Thomas Hobbes, John Locke & Jean Jacques Rousseau. The theory of Social Contract presents a version of origin of state from the liberal point of view.

This Doctrinal research is descriptive and analytical in nature. Secondary and Electronic resources have been largely used to gather information and data about the topic.

Books and other reference as guided by Faculty of Political Science have been primarily helpful in giving this project a firm structure. Websites, dictionaries, essays and articles have also been referred.

Footnotes have been provided wherever needed, to acknowledge the source.

Introduction

Social Contract Theory, nearly as old as philosophy itself, is the view that persons’ moral & political obligations are dependent upon a contract or agreement between them to form a society. The term social contract describes a broad class of philosophical theories whose subject is implied agreements by which people form nations & maintain a social order. In simple terms, this means that people give up some of their rights to a government in order to receive protection & social order. Social Contract Theory provides the rationale behind the historically important notion that...