Social Contract Theory

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key concepts and major theorists of Social Contract Theory including Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

Social Contract Theory

A theory on the origin of society stating that all men are born free and equal, and that society came into existence through an agreement entered into by individuals.

Classical Representatives of Social Contract Theory

The prominent thinkers of the social contract school of thought: Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

State of Nature (Thomas Hobbes)

A state of perpetual conflict on account of man's essentially selfish nature, described as a condition where 'the life of man was solitary poor, nasty, brutish and short' and every man was an enemy to every other man.

Social Contract (Thomas Hobbes)

An agreement entered into by people to protect themselves against the consequences of their own nature, surrendering their natural rights to one or a few with authority to command in exchange for security of life and property.

State of Nature (John Locke)

A state of peace and ideal liberty free from rules and regulations, which lacked a recognized system of law and justice and was frequently upset by the corruption of degenerate men.

Governmental Contract (John Locke)

A contract made by society after forming a civil state, establishing a government and selecting a ruler to remove the inconveniences of ill-condition.

Noble Savage

Rousseau's concept of man in the state of nature, who enjoyed a pure, unsophisticated, and innocent life of perfect freedom and equality.

Private Property (Rousseau)

A social institution established as human society developed, which ended original human equality and encouraged vices such as avarice and self-interest.

General Will

The collective will of the public person (the republic) formed by the social contract, endowed with goodness and wisdom surpassing that of any person or collection of persons, which coordinates and unifies society.