The Social Contract as the Underlying Theme

Three well known philosophers form the core of those who embrace the notion of the Social Contract. Thomas Hobbes (1651), John Locke (1689) and Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1762) are the most famous philosophers of contractarianism. . . the notion that legitimate state authority must be derived from the consent of the governed

All three embrace the idea that there must be a social contract in order for government and society to function in an orderly way. However, the three draw quite different conclusions from this starting-point. Hobbes advocated an authoritarian monarchy, Locke advocated a liberal monarchy, while Rousseau advocated liberal republicanism. Their work provided the theoretical groundwork of constitutional monarchy, liberal democracy and republicanism. The Social Contract was used in the Declaration of Independence as a sign of enforcing Democracy.


The Social Contract: Wikipedia
Rousseau On the Social Contract - Nigel Warburton
The Partially Examined Life - Hobbes

Resources for Further Understanding:
The Social Contract: Rousseau's Book - Text
The Social Contract - Rousseau, Audio

The Second Treatise on Government by John Locke

One of the leading liberal thinkers in 17th century England, Locke's ideas were drawn on heavily by Thomas Jefferson when writing the Declaration of Independence. The Second Treatise is Locke's most famous work.

eJunto has the Second Treatise read by Philip Rose. Click here.



Leaves and Dolly - Open Edition Images and cards