The Social Contract Theories Of Thomas Hobbes And John Locke

Mahogany Mills Professor: Dr. Arnold Political Philosophy 4 February 2015 Compare and contrast the social contract theories of Thomas Hobbes and John Locke In the beginning of time, there was no government to regulate man. This caused a burden on society and these hardships had to be conquered, which is when a social contract was developed. The social contract theory is a model that addresses the questions of the origin of society and the legitimacy of the authority of the state over an individual (Bahuleyan). It rests on the idea that every person has certain natural and evident rights, which begins from birth. This supports the physical and emotional need for cooperation and companionship. Social contract is the thought that human beings have an understanding with their government and that both sides understand and agree to their roles. James Madison stated that Wherever the real power in a government lies, there is the danger of oppression† (Madison). James Madison feels our governments real power is in the community majority, and the infiltration of private rights is primarily to be seized, not from the deeds of government who oppose to the sensibility of it constituents, but from actions in which the government is used as an instrument of the chief amount of the constituents. There are several different views when it comes to this subject. The best known advocates of this theory are: Jean Jacques Rousseau, Thomas Hobbes, and John Locke. Rousseau believes thatShow MoreRelatedThomas Hobbes And John Locke s Theory Of Social Contract Theory1449 Words   |  6 PagesIn this essay, I argue contemporary social contract theory extends itself beyond politics and into philosophy, religion, and literature. I begin by defining social contract theory and explaining the different perspectives of English philosophers, Thomas Hobbes and John Locke. 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