Social Contract Theory
Social Contract Theory
Amber C. Brown
AJS/532
September 2, 2013
Cyril Vierra
Social Contract Theory
The social contract theory was one that emerged in response to human enlightenment and civic awareness (Souryal, 2007). The theory was based on the belief that natural human existence without a binding contract among those who live together would create danger (Souryal, 2007). Without a contact people would not be secure in their property, rights or claims; fights would break out in which stronger would overcome the weaker and human freedom from dependence would be destroyed (Souryal, 2007) . The theory stated that human beings are individual and each deserve and independent identity. This theory had two main philosopher’s whom studied social contract and expanded upon the existence of the theory. Thomas Hobbes was the first advocate and later came John Locke who built upon what Hobbes’s theory was and expanded it to greater things. Summary of Contract Theories Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) advocated that individuals would be best served by entering into a collective agreement that could ensure a person’s individual security and prosperity (Souryal, 2007). He advocated that it was of upmost importance for the need of a central governing authority (Souryal, 2007). In this he meant that there was an inherent need that some type of binding contract was needed in order to settle conflicts and resolve disputes. Without this governing body, the safety of the people and preservation of their property would be in question (Souryal, 2007). When the commonwealth is ruled, peace would be maintained, justice would be preserved and collective happiness would be achieved (Souryal, 2007). John Locke can around from 1632-1704 and he built upon Hobbes’s social contract theory making it into a greater essay on freedom. (Souryal, 2007) He merged the concepts of freedom and government into the larger doctrine of liberalism (Souryal, 2007). He advocated
Amber C. Brown
AJS/532
September 2, 2013
Cyril Vierra
Social Contract Theory
The social contract theory was one that emerged in response to human enlightenment and civic awareness (Souryal, 2007). The theory was based on the belief that natural human existence without a binding contract among those who live together would create danger (Souryal, 2007). Without a contact people would not be secure in their property, rights or claims; fights would break out in which stronger would overcome the weaker and human freedom from dependence would be destroyed (Souryal, 2007) . The theory stated that human beings are individual and each deserve and independent identity. This theory had two main philosopher’s whom studied social contract and expanded upon the existence of the theory. Thomas Hobbes was the first advocate and later came John Locke who built upon what Hobbes’s theory was and expanded it to greater things. Summary of Contract Theories Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) advocated that individuals would be best served by entering into a collective agreement that could ensure a person’s individual security and prosperity (Souryal, 2007). He advocated that it was of upmost importance for the need of a central governing authority (Souryal, 2007). In this he meant that there was an inherent need that some type of binding contract was needed in order to settle conflicts and resolve disputes. Without this governing body, the safety of the people and preservation of their property would be in question (Souryal, 2007). When the commonwealth is ruled, peace would be maintained, justice would be preserved and collective happiness would be achieved (Souryal, 2007). John Locke can around from 1632-1704 and he built upon Hobbes’s social contract theory making it into a greater essay on freedom. (Souryal, 2007) He merged the concepts of freedom and government into the larger doctrine of liberalism (Souryal, 2007). He advocated
References: Fitzpatrick, M. (2013, September 1). The Advantages of a Social Contract Theory. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/info_8389066_advantages-social-contract-theory.html McAffee, T. B. (1992). The Bill Of Rights, Social Contract Theory, and the Rights “Retained” by the People. Scholarly Works, 533. Retrieved from http://scholars.law.unlv.edu/facpub/533 Mwita, D. (2011, June). Social Contract Theory of John Locke (1932-1704) in the Contemporary World. Retrieved from http://www.academia.edu/1489291/Social_Contract_Theory_of_John_Locke_1932-1704_in_the_Contemporary_World Souryal, S. S. (2007). Ethics in Criminal Justice: In Search of the Truth (4th ed.). Cincinnati, OH: Elsevier Inc.