Social Contract Theory 2

How did Locke's view of the State of Nature differ from Hobbes' view?

Locke viewed the State of Nature as less grim compared to Hobbes, allowing for the possibility of leaving a civil government to return to the State of Nature to create a better one.

What reasoning allows for the rejection of a civil government according to Locke?

Locke believes that if the civil government fails, individuals may choose to reject it and return to the State of Nature to construct a better civil government.

What are two factors that influence Hobbes’ and Locke’s views of the social contract?

The differences in views stem from contrasting perspectives on human nature and the nature of morality.

Who is Jean-Jacques Rousseau and during what period did he write?

Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) was a prominent figure of the Enlightenment and contributed to the Encyclopédie of Diderot, participating in salons in Paris.

What are Rousseau's two distinct social contract theories?

Rousseau's first theory, found in the Second Discourse, describes the historical evolution from the State of Nature to modern society. The second, articulated in The Social Contract, outlines an idealized theory meant to remedy the issues caused by society.

How does Rousseau view the State of Nature compared to modern society?

Rousseau views the State of Nature as peaceful, morally pure, and uncomplicated, contrasting it with the greed, competition, and inequality that developed with private property and societal progress.

What does Rousseau believe is the pivotal moment in humanity's evolution?

The invention of private property, which Rousseau sees as the cause of greed, competition, vice, and social inequality.

What is the primary purpose of politics according to Rousseau's Social Contract?

The purpose of politics is to restore freedom to individuals and reconcile their natural state with the need to live together, avoiding coercion and dependence on others.

What is the general will and how is it formed according to Rousseau?

The general will is formed when free and equal persons come together to collectively decide on the common good, which is distinct from mere individual interests.

What does Rousseau mean by 'forced to be free'?

It means that individuals must conform to the general will and fulfill their duties to the collective, despite personal interests, in order to maintain true freedom.

What are the implications of Rousseau's conception of democracy?

Rousseau implies a direct form of democracy where all citizens must come together regularly to enact laws, which is feasible only in relatively small states.

What is John Rawls' primary work and what year was it published?

John Rawls' primary work is A Theory of Justice, published in 1972.

What fundamental understanding does Rawls' theory rely on?

Rawls' theory relies on a Kantian understanding of persons and their capacities for reasoning and moral judgment from an impartial standpoint.

What method does Rawls use to discover principles of justice?

Rawls uses the hypothetical situation of the Original Position, characterized by the Veil of Ignorance.

What does the Veil of Ignorance ensure in the Original Position?

The Veil of Ignorance ensures that individuals lack knowledge of their specific circumstances, such as gender, race, talents, or social status, promoting fairness in the selection of justice principles.

How does Rawls describe his theory of justice?

Rawls describes his theory as 'justice as fairness' because the principles chosen from the original position are based on inherently fair conditions.

What are the Two Principles of Justice according to Rawls?

The first principle ensures that each person has as much basic liberty as possible, while the second principle allows for social and economic inequalities only if they benefit the least advantaged in society.

What is the Difference Principle?

The Difference Principle states that economic inequalities are only justified if they are to the advantage of the least advantaged members of society.

How are Rawls' Two Principles of Justice ordered?

The first principle, regarding civil liberties, is prior to the second principle, concerning social and economic goods, meaning civil liberties cannot be compromised for economic advantage.

What is the significance of Rawls' theory in relation to the social contract?

Rawls' theory provides a more abstract version of social contract theory, suggesting that rational acceptance of justice principles must constrain the creation of society and its structures.