Locke

Social contract theory involves the relationship between individuals and their governance.
Two primary theorists: Thomas Hobbes and John Locke, followed by Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

Described as a condition where man is perfectly free and absolutely free.
- No laws, rules, or government.
- Absolute freedom leads to equality, as everyone has the same freedoms.
Argues that man is inherently evil and only obeys laws out of the fear of punishment.
- Nature of humans leads to a violent society; summarized as a "war of all against all."

The weak seek refuge in government to avoid the chaos of the state of nature.
- Government is ineffective unless the strong are involved in its protection.
- "The king is outside the government" to enforce order.
No right of revolution exists; if people could revolt, they would avoid punishment and therefore not obey the system.

Locke agrees with the existence of the state of nature but disagrees with Hobbes on human nature.
Proposes the idea of two laws of nature that govern all living species.

First Law of Nature: All living beings, including humans, have a biological imperative to reproduce.
- For example, humans protect the young, as seen in various life-threatening scenarios (e.g., shootings or disasters).
- Human instinct to support youth signifies that we want to continue the species.
Second Law of Nature: Living species, including humans, recognize their own kind and do not harm their own species unnecessarily.
- Example: A hungry wolf does not eat another wolf in distress; this biological instinct maintains social order among species.
- Humans, similarly, refrain from cannibalism due to health implications and societal norms.

According to Locke, humans are not inherently evil; rather, they are neutral and driven by survival instincts.
- Humans can be indifferent in dangerous situations, exhibiting potential for neutrality rather than cruelty or kindness.

Locke claims that God provides all humans need through nature, but these resources are only valuable when worked for.
Example: A child climbing an apple tree understands that effort results in value (the fruit).
This labor theory leads to the concept of property ownership and economic surplus.

Locke posits that people form governments not only for protection but for the safeguarding of property.
- Surplus property leads to economic stratification, allowing individuals to empower or hire off the strongest for protection.
Government works for Locke as long as there is agreement from the people involved.

Two forms of revolution are permissible:
- Temporary Revolution: Justified when the government fails to protect during emergencies or crises, returning to the state of nature.
- Permanent Revolution: Allowed when attempts to address grievances within the established system have failed.
- Example: The Declaration of Independence reflects this logic, documenting complaints against governance.

Rousseau valued the concept of absolute freedom but believed conclusions drawn by Hobbes and Locke lack depth and ignore man's potential for betterment.
Critiques the view that the primary goal of life is merely survival or property acquisition; he sees these as inadequate for human fulfillment.

Imagines human independence and happiness in a deserted state, stating that humans are primarily independent when alone.
- Society introduces unnecessary desires and complications, impairing happiness.

Acknowledges that society leads to desires, preferences, and competition, undermining the independence and happiness found in solitude.
- The creation of preferences (e.g., attraction to certain physical traits) causes discontent and dependence on societal acceptance.

Should aim to restore the independence and happiness of citizens, helping them reclaim their natural state.
- Proposes educational reforms to raise independent thinkers who fulfill societal roles voluntarily rather than out of compulsion.

Emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and self-awareness in children.
- Encourages practical experiments, allowing individuals to understand and own their knowledge rather than accepting normative concepts.

The theories of Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau create a framework for understanding social contracts, the nature of man, and the role of governance over time. They illustrate that happiness stems from independence and fulfillment of one’s own potential.