Conceptions of the Social Contract Theory - 924 Words

Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean Jacques Rousseau were political philosophers who formulated their own version of the social contract theory. The social contract theory is a treaty or an agreement that developed a set of laws, organized a functional society, and created the need to be governed. It was put into place when man realized that there was no law. Mankind eventually sought the desire for security and order. To receive security and order people shall voluntarily give up all their rights and freedoms and be obedient to some sort of authority. The social contract theory is made up of two agreements known as, â€Å"Pactum Unionis† and â€Å"Pactum Subjectionis†. The â€Å"Pactum Unionis† agreement would help the people with their troubles and†¦show more content†¦After the change in population, people started to notice that change had to take place. Quality of life would rise while the value of life would fall. The conception shows the state of nature changing to modern day society. Rousseau’s second conception of the social contract is known as his idealized theory. It outlines the problems that modern society has created for us in which he sees to be problematic. During the State of Nature, people lived simple lives with their needs being met by nature. With nature being plentiful and population being small; people rarely came into contact with one another. This would result for the people to have no reason for conflict and no reason to bring harm to one another. I feel that Thomas Hobbes’ concept of the social contract is very pessimistic unlike Locke and Rousseau’s concepts. I disagree with Hobbes when talking about how he felt about mankind in the state of nature because he believes that life in the state of nature was terrible. In my opinion, life in the state of nature was good and simple because the people who lived in that time period had no knowledge of technology or anything else for that fact. I most defiantly agree with Hobbes when talking about his political views. I feel that he describes modern day government when he expresses his political views. I enjoyed researching and reading John Locke’s concept of the social contract. I feel that Locke was veryShow MoreRelatedHobbes And Rousseau On The Social Contract Theory1625 Words   |  7 PagesRousseau on the Social Contract Theory The social contract theory focuses on the origin of states and laws, and the impact of regulated communities or states on individuals. All conceptions of the social contract theory can be harmonized to the individual desire for safety or security and the demand for fulfillment through a collective agreement which transforms the human dimension into an organized society from the primordial state. 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