SOCIAL CONTRACT THEORY

Commonwealth:

The political body formed when individuals collectively agree to submit to a common authority (sovereign) in order to achieve peace and security.

2. State of Nature:

The hypothetical condition of humanity before
government, characterized by total freedom, equality—and constant fear, danger, and conflict—according to Hobbes.

3. Social Contract Theory:

The morally right action is the one that
conforms to rules rational individuals would agree to under conditions of equality and impartiality for mutual benefit.

4. Sovereign:

For Hobbes, the absolute ruler or governing authority that individuals agree to obey under the social contract to escape the state of nature and ensure peace and security.

"War of Every Man Against Every Man":

Hobbes’s description of the state of nature, where without government, people act solely in self-
interest, resulting in constant conflict, fear, and danger