Sep 26, 2025 · Social contract, in political philosophy, an actual or hypothetical compact, or agreement, between the ruled and their rulers, defining the rights and duties of each.

Social contract theory, nearly as old as philosophy itself, is the view that persons’ moral and/or political obligations are dependent upon a contract or agreement among them to form the …

From this shared premise, social contract theorists aim to demonstrate why rational individuals would voluntarily relinquish their natural freedom in exchange for the benefits of political order.

Oct 10, 2024 · Social contract theory is a political and moral theory that asserts that individuals give up some of their individual freedoms in exchange for protection and security provided by …

Aug 27, 2023 · Social contract theory is a philosophical theory that believes societies can only achieve stability and civility based upon an implied or explicit social contract.

Feb 11, 2025 · The social contract is a foundational concept in both political philosophy and sociology, rooted in the idea that individuals collectively agree to form a society and abide by …

Social Contract Theory is a philosophical concept that suggests individuals consent, either explicitly or implicitly, to surrender some of their freedoms and submit to the authority of a …

“A social contract theory can be defined as one which grounds the legitimacy of political authority and the obligations of rulers and subjects on a premised contract or contracts relating to these …

In short, social contract theories tell us what rules are just, and why they imply justified coercion on grounds we cannot refuse since these rules are the ones we would have chosen ourselves.

Oct 20, 2023 · The Social Contract Theory, developed by Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau, proposes that the state is a result of an agreement among individuals to form a political …