The Social Contract Theory Essay
1a. The Social Contract Theory According to the Social Contract Theory, it suggests that all
individuals must depend on an agreement/ or contract among each person to form a society, in which
they live in. The concept emphasizes authority over individuals, in other words, the social contract
favors authority (e.g. the Sovereign) over the individuals, because men have to forfeit their personal
right and freedom to the government, in exchange for protection and security, which I will further
elaborate in this paper. In the book Leviathan, Thomas Hobbes was one of the first to discuss the
social contract. Hobbes explains that all human beings are born in the state of nature , which means
that all men used to live in the primitive ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
However, for such is the nature of men, that howsoever may acknowledge many others to be more
witty, or more eloquent, or more learned, and they will hardly believe there be many so wise as
themselves . (Hobbes, 1651, p.184). However, individuals would believe that some men would be
inferior or superior to them, as a result, each person in the state of nature is in fear of others who may
attack for any reasons (e.g. gain, safety, and glory). But, men never wanted to live in fear, in contrary,
they wanted peace in their life. In such dilemma, individuals must agree on rule to govern their
actions. In other words, men enter the social contract, which requires them to give up their rights and
freedom, and act upon the general rules to the sovereign. By agreeing to the mutual consent,
individuals also agree to obey the laws, and submit their obedience to the sovereign. However, the
sovereign, in exchange, must guaranty the safety and protection of each of its members for their rights
and obedience. Nevertheless, the social contract theory make men lose their moral obligations, and
forces men to act more civilize to ensure a functioning society for all its members.
In conclusion, Hobbes argues that people live in a state of
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