Social contract theory - Essay Example

Task: Social contract theory The social contact theory is one of the earliest philosophies explaining how individuals’ ethical and political responsibilities are connected. The core concept of the theory is that the existence of the society depends on the ability of the free individuals to form rational decisions while focusing on self-interests. This implies that individuals’ morals and political responsibilities rely on their consensus to develop their societies. This theory is applicable to the contemporary moral and political philosophy.

It focuses on individuals’ lives, autonomy, and their belongings. This means the citizens have political powers unless they decide to transfer the power to the government. The past philosophers agreed that the government originated from the people’s contract in the society. They believed that people pledge loyalty and compliance with the government so that it protects them and their belongings in return (Dye & Schubert 29). There are various aspects of the American social contract highlighted in the Preamble and declaration.

The county’s social contract is derived from the preamble that states that people have to collaborate with government to promote justice and protection of individuals’ liberty. This means that the main aspects of the country’s social aspects reflected in the preamble are the partnership between the people and the government, and the people’s freedom. The Declaration also serves as the constitutional foundation of the American social contact. One of the aspects of the country’s social contract in the Declaration is the commitment to people’s natural rights.

Pursuit to happiness was another aspect of the Declaration reflected in the county’s social contact (Billias 19).Works CitedBillias, George A. American Constitutionalism Heard Round the World, 1776-1989: A Global Perspective. New York: New York University Press, 2009. Print. Dye, Thomas R, and Louis Schubert. The Irony of Democracy: An Uncommon Introduction to American Politics. Belmont, Calif: Wadsworth, 2011. Print.