Locke and Rousseau on Social Contract - Research Paper Example

It is selfish in a way that they did not care for the welfare of other humans. Nevertheless, they were bounded by some natural laws that regulated their behavior. For instance, they were mindful of the rule that they should not hurt each other (Locke 192). They were ought to preserve the existence of humans on earth. Significantly, humans have deemed it necessary and convenient to make a social group (Locke 253). They have actually felt the importance of belongingness -- that is to become part of a human gathering.

They have found it convenient to be able to utilize the skills of others to pursue an endeavor. In this sense, humans have learned to become social. They have considered the importance of others to their continued existence. As a consequence, relationships were formed. Forms of interactions have developed. Humans have known each other. They demonstrated ways to help others. In other words, mutual understanding has developed between them. This was the beginning of man to woman interaction. As cited by Locke, "the first society was between man and wife" (253).

This social inclination began the relation between parents and their children (Locke 253). Stated otherwise, the first social institution is the family. Locke specifically referred the family as a conjugal society (253). It is conjugal because the union of man and woman carries with it reciprocal benefits. Mutual assistance and support as well as communion of interests are examples of these benefits (Locke 253). These advantages may have driven humans to form a family. The family therefore is the first form of social group that humans have created.

It is the original proof of society’s existence. In a family, humans could find security in all aspects. This finding as proposed by John Locke may have contributed to the present understanding of filial relationship. In another case, Locke included the topic on slavery. He emphasized the fact that slaves are not "part of civil society" (Locke 258). In this context, it can be claimed that to be part of civil society, a particular social group must have freedom. This freedom encompasses the right to own, use and enjoy a property.

This could mean that an individual belonging to a civil society has the corresponding right to exercise his or her civil rights. To note, the right to own a property belongs to the larger scope of civil rights. As time goes by, humans have found it necessary to protect and preserve their life, liberty and estate (Locke 259). Locke actually considered the three as forms of property (Ashcraft 412). In such case, they formed a political society. In forming this society, the members of the civil society are to surrender some of their natural powers to "the hand of the community" in which they can ask for protection (Locke 260).

This protection is made possible by the establishment of a political structure; hence, the creation of the government. This body politic would be the representative of the people as a whole. For this body to be legalized, a majority consent from the community is needed (Laski 16). Locke actually preferred a commonwealth than absolute monarchy. He described the commonwealth as an independent community and not a democracy (Locke 301). For him, a commonwealth has three powers, legislative, executive and federative.

These powers are ought to be separated according to Locke. At the end of his treatise, Locke