Social Contract Theory - Essay Example

Social Contract Theory Introduction Social contract is an important part of American Political System. The American constitution believes that the country exists to serve the will of people. The term “Social Contract” is first mentioned by Plato in his writings. However, it is the English Philosopher Thomas Hobbes who elaborated the term more in detail. Along with him Locke and Rousseau added on to the concept. The Social contract concept is more elaborated with the help of a social contract theory. A social contract theory holds that a person has a moral and political obligation to depend on a contract to form a society in which they exist. The social contract theory suggests that men being self interested can dominate his will in a civic society and hence a contract can avail justice. The social contract theory emphasis on the origin of the society. Social contract theory is a concept theory which is used in political science, sociology and philosophy. It is an implicit agreement between the state and citizens of the country to stay within the society without violating the contract. Social contract theory relies on an anthropological conception that man is either “good” or “evil”. The most famous philosophers of social contract theory are Thomas Hobbes, John Locke and Jean – Jacques Rousseau. It is a theory which has its ground on democracy. According to this theory, the people abide by law to live in peace and harmony in a society. The concept of social contract theory Social contract theory is a philosophical idea which propagates maintenance of society and law. According to this theory people in a state abide by a contract to agree upon laws and rules to live in a society. Usually it is a government which will enforce these laws in a society or state. The theory suggests that if someone violates the rules then he will punish. This contract theory can be changed if the people believe that the law needs a change. Social contract theory implies that without it the society will be in chaos and people would act according to their wishes and desires. For example, in case of natural disaster like flood or hurricane people would do whatever they like as no one is there to enforce law in a confused situation. The society need a contractual obligation which makes the responsible towards their action in the society and the social contract theory advocates it. Social contract theory explains that for a secured society a contract is necessary between citizens and state. Since men are born free, he has a tendency to violate natural laws and create conflicts and brutalities in a society. According to this theory, the citizens mutually agree to surrender their natural right in the hands of an authority or administration. This theory aims at a civil society. Natural freedom can give civil freedom with the help of social contract. However there are many criticisms on this theory hence it has its own strength and weaknesses. Strengths of the theory Social contract theory as any other theory has its advantages. They are as follows; a)Implication for morality– The social theory proposes the moral obligation of a person towards his society. It explains about the morally binding rules are those needed for a peaceful society. The theory suggests that only under a contractual living there would be advantage to people and society. This theory support freedom, equality and rights for all citizens in a country. The moral and ethical obligation of a person is focused by the theory. b) A simple theory – This is a theory which explains complex matters in a simple way. The theory has a logic which can be understood by common men. It just suggests that people need to exist in a mutual agreement with the government to exist in a society. This is simply for the maintenance of peace and harmony of the society. The basic idea of the theory is social living. All people naturally understand that a society without law can result in chaos. So an implicit or explicit contract of people with government is a simple theory of social contract. c) Advocate inclusiveness – A social contract theory is a philophical concept which advocates inclusiveness in a society. It strives for a most inclusive and fairest society. The philosophers of this theory explain that human are in consistent conflict with each other over resources and survival. So this theory keeps a restriction on violation on human rights. d) Fairness – The philosophers of social contract theory propose that many theorist make theoretical framework that is fairer than the current society. However, the social contract theory advocates a policy which works towards where there is equality and justice. Social contract had the advantage of making a social system where fairness on economic, social and political sphere exists. Everybody wants to live in equality and for this gratitude can be given to social contract theory. e) Legitimate Government - The main advantage of social contract theory is that it gives way to a legitimate government. This theory establishes a government which can be agreed upon by all citizens of the country. A legitimate government ensures that there are less civil wars and tyrannies in the country. The government will be legitimate in its administration as the contract would perpetuate them to do so. The weaknesses of theory Along with advantages the social contract theory also suffers from some disadvantages. a) Lack of choice - Social contract theory does not give a choice for the people to accept or reject the contract. It is sort of imposing the agreement on the people. The social contract is mandatory and people are forced to agree to it. For example – The people are supposed to accept the laws of the country whether they like it or not. This can show that social contract theory does not take into considerate the interests of people. b) Unexplained moral obligation – Other limitation of social contract theory is that it does not define the entire moral obligation a human have towards non – human and physically challenged people in the society. Hence there is no contract between these subjects there is no need to consider them. In both cases, they cannot return the obligation needed by the social contract theory. This is a limitation which signifies its inadequacy to consider all the elements of a society. A social theory need to look at all the aspects of the society other than humans. c)Historic fiction – The social contract theory has been considered to be of historic fiction. Critics comment that there is a natural conversation where all agreed upon laws and rules and signed agreement. Even if such a thing happened, it would have been our ancestors and being the new generation we have no moral obligation to follow it. It is an implicit agreement and hence there is no strong obligation to abide by it and this invalidates this theory. d)Less freedom – The philosophers of social contract theory suggest that to have a secure society man must restrict his freedom. This is a constraining fact to the modern society. The society must give up freedom for the liberty and security. Although people are safe they are not free. This social contract theory can only offer life and security. There is power which intimidates people to abide by law. There is a factor of unnaturalness in this theory. There is an artificial way of maintaining peace and order in the society. Conclusion Social contract theory is a theory which has a long history as it dates back to the Greek period. The social contract theory is a philosophical concept which solely look at t he welfare of people and society. The fact which motivated the origination of theory is the ultimate free doom people have in world. The natural resources and the need for survival make a man an immoral and unethical creature. This theory suggests that only a social contract between the Government and citizen can maintain security and liberty in society. Social contract theory imply to an explicit or an explicit contract between citizens and state to abide by law and order. Social contract theory has raised many criticisms as it has some advantages and disadvantages like any other philosophical theories. The main advantage is that it allows free and secure society. This theory suggest moral obligation for people living in a society. However, this theory has a disadvantage of imposing an implicit contract on the citizens of a country. It also gives a hegemonic power to the government. Social contract theory has undergone some changes since its origin. Some philosophers has worked on it and added their ideas and thoughts to it. With all its limitation, social contract theory is a useful concept to maintain a healthy society. Every right thing achieved has a dark side and its limitation can be considered as a pain to gain a peaceful life for citizens of a country. Read More