The Social Contract Theory Essay - 1249 Words

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 â€Å"the state of nature†, which means that all men used to live in the primitive†¦show more content†¦However, â€Å"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