Social Contract Theory Flashcards, test questions and answers
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What is Social Contract Theory?
Social contract theory is a philosophical concept that dates back to the 1600s, when it was explored by thinkers such as Thomas Hobbes and John Locke. Social contract theory seeks to explain the relationship between individuals and their society, and how obligations each party has towards one another. The basic idea is that individuals agree to live in a society where they sacrifice some of their rights in exchange for protection from the government. This agreement serves as an unwritten set of rules or laws that govern the behaviour of citizens within a nation or state.At its core, social contract theory is based on mutual consent between individuals and their society. It assumes that people can choose to abide by this agreement or not without fear of retribution from their government since all parties have consented to the terms. This idea allows citizens to live freely while still being protected by laws that have been mutually agreed upon by everyone involved. It also allows governments to ensure order within a nation or state while granting its people certain rights and freedoms, which would otherwise be impossible if there were no agreement in place.The main goal of social contract theory is to create a balance between personal freedom and public safety within any given society. In other words, it seeks to find an equilibrium where both sides are satisfied with their respective roles in order for them both benefit from living under the same set of laws and regulations. By recognizing individual liberties while also protecting communal interests, social contract theory provides an effective way for people living under different governments around the world to co-exist peacefully with one another despite having different cultural backgrounds, beliefs, values, etc.