The 1700’s Enlightenment period introduced the social contract. The Social Contract is an agreement between the government and society on how they will work together. Within that time period many philosophers interpreted the social contract theory in their own way. Within those philosophers we focus on three important: Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, And Jean- Jacques Rousseau. All three of them had many similarities and also differences in the way they interpreted the social contract. “Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) was a tutor for the exiled prince.” ( Bradat,2012). During the seventeenth century England was ruled by Charles II. Thomas came up with theories and ideas regarding the monarchy. Hobbes had a very interesting and direct interpretation of
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Rousseau believed in order to live a life that takes account the foundations of morality, people must create a new order. A new order meant a new society that would have human power and rights into a group and will have a public person influenced by general will. Rousseau disagreed with representative government. He believed that everyone was absolute and could not be represented. Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau each had a unique interpretation of the social contract. One of the similarities between the three philosophers was that they believed in freedom. Even though they agree on freedom they all had different interpretations of freedom. Locke believed that freedom existed when humans were alone. Rousseau thought that humans had freedom existed when humans created a new society. Hobbes argued that freedom came about when humans were ruled by monarchy.
When it comes to government, the philosophers also had different views. For one, Hobbes believed in an absolute monarchy. Locke agreed with a republic which the government only interfered in disputes between citizens. Rousseau was a radical and trusted that a direct democracy would be the best form of government. Locke believed that having property was essential, while Hobbes did not really elaborate on that specific human right. Rousseau, however, disagreed with Locke and expressed that owning property would make people socially …show more content…
“Locke suggested that the dominant themes in the natural state were “peace, goodwill, mutual assistance and preservation.” (Bradat 2012) Though Locke had an optimistic view on human nature, he acknowledges that it was not perfect. He realized conflict might arise when people suspect another is threatening their ability to enjoy their property or liberties. In this case, Locke argued that this would be were government should step in and provide justice.
Locke argued that preserving rights were necessary for existence. He believed that the government should be limited in its powers and the priority should be to serve the people. He expressed that people were to appreciate the decision of the majority even when they did not understand or agree with it. Locke did agree with sovereignty but thought that It would be better exercised if humans did not rule themselves first- hand. The relationship between the government and the people should be a close one.
Thomas Jefferson, influenced by Locke, agreed that if the people did not feel the government was protecting their rights, they have the legal power to overthrow it. Because of this very concept being expressed in the Declaration of Independence, proves Locke to be the closest Social Contract Theorist to capturing human
Rousseau believed in order to live a life that takes account the foundations of morality, people must create a new order. A new order meant a new society that would have human power and rights into a group and will have a public person influenced by general will. Rousseau disagreed with representative government. He believed that everyone was absolute and could not be represented. Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau each had a unique interpretation of the social contract. One of the similarities between the three philosophers was that they believed in freedom. Even though they agree on freedom they all had different interpretations of freedom. Locke believed that freedom existed when humans were alone. Rousseau thought that humans had freedom existed when humans created a new society. Hobbes argued that freedom came about when humans were ruled by monarchy.
When it comes to government, the philosophers also had different views. For one, Hobbes believed in an absolute monarchy. Locke agreed with a republic which the government only interfered in disputes between citizens. Rousseau was a radical and trusted that a direct democracy would be the best form of government. Locke believed that having property was essential, while Hobbes did not really elaborate on that specific human right. Rousseau, however, disagreed with Locke and expressed that owning property would make people socially …show more content…
“Locke suggested that the dominant themes in the natural state were “peace, goodwill, mutual assistance and preservation.” (Bradat 2012) Though Locke had an optimistic view on human nature, he acknowledges that it was not perfect. He realized conflict might arise when people suspect another is threatening their ability to enjoy their property or liberties. In this case, Locke argued that this would be were government should step in and provide justice.
Locke argued that preserving rights were necessary for existence. He believed that the government should be limited in its powers and the priority should be to serve the people. He expressed that people were to appreciate the decision of the majority even when they did not understand or agree with it. Locke did agree with sovereignty but thought that It would be better exercised if humans did not rule themselves first- hand. The relationship between the government and the people should be a close one.
Thomas Jefferson, influenced by Locke, agreed that if the people did not feel the government was protecting their rights, they have the legal power to overthrow it. Because of this very concept being expressed in the Declaration of Independence, proves Locke to be the closest Social Contract Theorist to capturing human