Aron Janver Gutierrez
12- ABM SALVIEJO
Peta 3: PHILOSOPHY
Introduction
Social contract theory is the idea that people agree to follow rules and work together
to build a society that benefits everyone. It is like an unspoken deal we make with
each other and the government. We give up some freedoms, like not being able to
do whatever we want all the time, in return for safety, laws, and living in a
community where people mostly get along.
Thomas Hobbes
An English philosopher, is best known for his book Leviathan (1651), where he laid
out his ideas on social contract theory.
Hobbes believed that without government, life in a "state of nature" would be
chaotic, violent, and short, as people would act solely in their own self-interest. To
escape this, he argued that individuals should agree to give up certain freedoms
and submit to an absolute ruler or sovereign, who would maintain peace and
order. Hobbes' main idea was that a strong, centralized authority is necessary to
prevent society from falling into disorder, making his theory foundational to
understanding political stability.
John Locke
English philosopher that is best known for his work Two Treatises of Government
(1689), where he expanded on social contract theory.
Unlike Hobbes, Locke believed that people in a "state of nature" are generally
reasonable and capable of living peacefully. However, he argued that a
government is still needed to protect people's natural rights to life, liberty, and
property. Locke emphasized that the government's power comes from the
consent of the governed, and if it fails to uphold these rights, the people have the
right to overthrow it.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
A French philosopher, developed his ideas on social contract theory in his famous
work The Social Contract (1762). Rousseau believed that in a "state of nature,"
people were free and equal but became corrupted by the inequalities of society.
He proposed that individuals could regain freedom by forming a collective
agreement, or social contract, where they work together for the common good.
Rousseau emphasized the concept of the "general will," which represents the
shared interests of all citizens. According to him, governments should reflect the
general will, and if they fail to do so, they lose their legitimacy. His ideas inspired
revolutionary movements and the development of modern democratic thought.
Immanuel Kant
A German philosopher, contributed to social contract theory by focusing on its
moral and philosophical aspects rather than its political applications.
In his works, such as Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals (1785) and The
Metaphysics of Morals (1797), Kant argued that the social contract is not a
historical agreement but a rational idea used to evaluate the fairness and justice of
laws. He believed that legitimate governments are those that operate according to
universal moral principles, emphasizing individual autonomy and respect for
human dignity. Kant’s version of the social contract highlighted the importance of
reason and ethics in shaping the relationship between individuals and the state.
John Rawls
American philosopher, reinterpreted social contract theory in his influential book A
Theory of Justice (1971). He introduced the concept of the "original position," a
hypothetical scenario where individuals decide on the principles of justice while
behind a "veil of ignorance," unaware of their own social status, wealth, or abilities.
This ensures fairness, as decisions would not favor any particular group. Rawls
proposed two key principles: equal basic rights for all and social and economic
inequalities arranged to benefit the least advantaged.
CRITICAL THINGKING QUESTION
a) How do Hobbes' and Locke's views of human nature differ?
Hobbes believed that people are naturally selfish and would act out of their own
self-interest, which would make life in a "state of nature" dangerous and chaotic.
b) Why does Rousseau believe private property comupts society?
He believed that private property corrupts society because it creates inequality
between people. When some people own more property, it leads to jealousy and
competition, making people care more about what they have than about the well-
being of others.
c) Do you agree with Kant's emphasis on moral principles in the social
contract? Why or why not?
I agree with Kant's emphasis on moral principles in the social contract because it
focuses on fairness and treating everyone with respect. Kant believed that
governments should be based on universal moral rules that apply to all people,
which ensures that no one is treated unfairly.
d) How does Rawls' idea of the "veil of ignorance" promote fairness?
Rawls' idea of the "veil of ignorance" promotes fairness by encouraging people to
make decisions without knowing their own social status, wealth, or personal
abilities.
PERSONAL REFLECTION
I find John Locke’s ideas most convincing because he focuses on the importance
of individual rights and the idea that people have the power to change their
government if it isn’t protecting those rights. Locke believed that everyone has the
right to life, liberty, and property, and that a government should only exist to
protect these basic rights. I think this idea is really relevant today because it
reminds us that governments should be accountable to the people. If leaders are
not doing their job to protect the rights of citizens, people should have the ability
to stand up and demand change. This idea of personal freedom and fairness
makes sense, especially in a world where inequality and injustice still exist. Locke’s
belief that governments should be built on consent and fairness is something I
agree with because it promotes equality and justice for everyone.
