1. Meaning of Social Contract Theory

• Definition: A philosophical theory suggesting individuals' moral and political obligations are based on an agreement to form a society.
• State of Nature: A pre-governmental state marked by fear, oppression, and chaos.
• Two Agreements:
  • Pactum Unionis: People sought protection and built a society based on mutual respect and harmony.
  • Pactum Subjectionis: Individuals surrendered some or all rights to an authority in exchange for security and justice.
• Purpose: To create a government ensuring societal safety and moral values.

2. Analysis of Social Contract Theory by John Rawls

• Modern Perspective: Revived through Rawls's "Theory of Justice."
• Key Features:
  • Veil of Ignorance: Ensures unbiased justice by hiding individual characteristics.
  • Justice as Fairness: Promotes equality and fairness in decision-making.
• Two Principles:
  • Liberty Principle: Maximum liberty for all, equally protected.
  • Difference Principle: Economic inequalities are acceptable if they:
    • Benefit everyone, especially the least advantaged.
    • Ensure equal opportunities.

3. Analysis of Social Contract Theory by Thomas Hobbes

• Historical Context: Published in "Leviathan" (1651) during the English Civil War.
• State of Nature:
  • Described as "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short."
  • Marked by chaos and selfishness.
• Key Ideas:
  • People surrendered all rights to an absolute sovereign for security.
  • Citizens had no rights against the sovereign.
• Criticism: Advocated for absolutism, encapsulated by "Might is Right."

4. Analysis of Social Contract Theory by John Locke

• State of Nature: Believed to be a "Golden Age" of peace and liberty but lacked secure property rights.
• Social Contract:
  • People surrendered specific rights for property protection and order.
  • Emphasized constitutional governance.
• Purpose of Government:
  • Protect natural rights: life, liberty, and property.
  • Allowed people to overthrow governments failing in their duties.

5. Analysis of Social Contract Theory by Rousseau

• Key Features:
  • Humans were happy and equal in the state of nature.
  • Private property introduced greed and inequality.
• General Will: Rights surrendered to the collective will for common interests.
• Sovereignty:
  • Indivisible and infallible.
  • Governance must align with the general will.
• Unique Approach: Advocated collective governance over a single authority.

6. Comparative Analysis of Theories

• Hobbes: Focused on security through absolute authority; individual rights were surrendered entirely.
• Locke: Emphasized natural rights and property protection; supported constitutional governance.
• Rousseau: Highlighted equality and governance by the general will; opposed private property.
• Rawls: Advocated fairness and impartial decision-making; balanced liberty and economic inequality.

7. Conclusion

• Relevance: Foundational in understanding modern governance and justice systems.
• Common Goal: Aims to establish a just and orderly society by balancing individual rights and collective responsibilities.
• Legacy: From Hobbes’s absolutism to Rawls’s fairness, social contract theories continue to influence political philosophy globally.