Social Contract As A Dominant Political Theory Essay

Social Contract As A Timeless Dominant Political Theory Introduction The concept of social contract was introduced by early thinkers like Socrates and Plato. The social contract is a political theory that involves a tacit agreement between members of society group that allows them to collaborate and promote mutual benefits, as well explains the legitimacy and authority of government. This concept is further explained and defended by 17th and 18th centuries philosophers like Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau, who helped to shape these theories and lay down the foundation for today’s democracy and the role of the government in society. Social contract theories had a profound impact on modern Western society, specifically, America and France. Subsequently, it had a dramatic ideological influence on the development of democracies around the world. However, not everyone agreed with the idea of social contract and there are other political theories which downplay its importance in the role of the government in the community’s life. Theorists, such as Humes, Mandeville, and Smith declare there is no such contract/agreement in existence, but rather maximizing peoples’ utility, market forces, and individual selfishness are the driving forces of a given society. Nevertheless, we need to recognize the importance of social contract because it provides a conceptual basis for the development of a democratic and just society. In addition, social contract, through its constantShow MoreRelatedThe Congress Of The United States Adopted The Declaration Of Independence860 Words   |  4 Pagesinterpretation of these basic ideas of self-evident truths, natural rights and the social contract theory that governments are created by men by authority of consent of the governed to protect the rights to life, liberty and property. 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