Module 7: Social Contract

Contractarianism

Also known as the social contract theory. This theory argues for the validity and legitimacy of political authority and moral norms.

Explicit Contracts

A type of contract:

Are agreements where all parties involved are aware of the terms and conditions because they gave their consent in the formation of the contract.

Implicit Contracts

A type of contract:

Are ones that we have never actually agreed to, but sort of find ourselves in.

1. Explicit

2. Implicit

Two types of contracts:

Thomas Hobbes

He was born on April 5, 1588, in Wesport, Wiltshhire, England. He created Leviathan

Leviathan

Is Hobbes' work that focused on maintaining collective security among citizens through political authority.

Political Authority

The government, as the one holding political authority, is responsible for implementing collective security.

True

True or False:

Hobbes’ political ideas later became influential during the English Civil War (1642-1651).

False

True or False:

Hobbes believed that subjects should have the right to rebel against sovereign power.

False

True or False:

Hobbes viewed the state of nature as a peaceful way of life where people coexisted without conflict.

True

True or False:

According to Hobbes, human beings are mainly driven by self-interest and self-preservation.

False

True or False:

Hobbes believed that society could function without laws and rules.

False

True or False:

Leviathan primarily discusses economic policies and trade agreements.

False

True or False:

Hobbes believed that humans would naturally live in harmony without government intervention.

Leviathan

Is a creature with the form of a sea serpent, a monster that shows dominion by instilling fear and authority.

Leviathan

According to Hobbes, this is a figure of absolute authority, equivalent to the government or sovereign, which imposes rules and governs the people.

False

True or False:

Citizens are not required to obey the Leviathan’s commands and laws.

False

True or False:

The role of the Leviathan is to restrict liberty and impose unjust laws.

False

True or False:

The citizens can disobey the Leviathan only if it enacts unjust laws.

True

True or False:

The government, as the Leviathan, requires moral ascendency from the citizens.

False

True or False:

The Leviathan can never be replaced, regardless of its actions.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Is a French philosopher who was influential during the Enlightenment and the French Revolution, contributing to modern political, educational, and economic thought.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Is a French philosopher, born on June 28, 1712.

First Route

One of Rousseau’s Path to Freedom:

This Rousseau’s route to freedom promotes a socio-political institution where free and equal citizens coexist in a community with the sovereign being the citizens themselves.

Second Route

One of Rousseau’s Path to Freedom:

This Rousseau’s route to freedom requires moral education for the child to promote their growth and autonomy.

Amour de soi

Rousseau’s concept of self-love, which motivates individuals to preserve themselves and maintain what is good in themselves.

Pity

According to Rousseau, it is a characteristic of human nature that urges individuals to show compassion and concern for the suffering of others.

False

True or False:

Rousseau believed that the state of nature was a state of war and conflict.

True

True or False:

According to Rousseau, self-preservation and pity are the two characteristics of human nature in the state of nature.

True

True or False:

Rousseau believed that private property was the cause of competition, greed, inequality, and the division of social classes in modern society.

State of Nature

Is Rousseau’s optimistic view, he sees it as a peaceful time where people lived uncorrupted lives, with self-preservation and pity as key characteristics of human nature.

General Will

Is Rousseau's concept that promotes order by reconciling personal and collective interests, accessible to everyone, and focusing on what the people collectively prefer in society.

General Will

Is viewed as a democratic conception because it is typically the voice of the majority in the assembly of sovereignty.

General Will

Is a transcendent incarnation of citizens' common interest, focused on what the people prefer in society.

Moral Education

Rousseau believes that this is essential to preserve man’s natural goodness, with a focus on developing character and moral sense in students.

False

True or False:

The General Will is only concerned with personal interests and does not include collective interests.

False

True or False:

The General Will is only a reflection of the individual preferences of the citizens.

False

True or False:

Rousseau views manual labor and theoretical knowledge as more important than moral development in education.

True

True or False:

Rousseau believes that moral education in institutions will lead to morally upright citizens and a harmonious society.