The social contract is a concept that has been discussed extensively in political philosophy, and one of the most notable discussions comes from English philosopher Thomas Hobbes in his seminal work “Leviathan.” In this article, we`ll explore what the social contract is and how Hobbes understood it.
The social contract is a theoretical agreement between individuals and their governments, where individuals agree to give up some of their natural freedom in exchange for security and protection provided by the government. In other words, the social contract is the agreement that individuals make with their government in exchange for the protection, laws, and benefits that a government can provide.
Hobbes believed that life in a state of nature without government would be “nasty, brutish, and short.” He argued that without the protection that a government can provide, individuals would be in a constant state of war with one another. People would be motivated purely by self-interest, and this would lead to conflict and chaos.
To avoid this state of nature, Hobbes believed that individuals come together to form a social contract. They would give up some of their natural freedom in exchange for the protection and security offered by a government. The government would enforce laws and maintain order, and individuals would comply with these laws. In this way, the social contract ensures that individuals can live securely and peacefully within a society.
Hobbes believed that the social contract was not a voluntary agreement. Rather, he argued that individuals were compelled to enter into the social contract by their own self-interest. According to Hobbes, individuals would choose to enter into the social contract because they understood that it was necessary for their own survival and security.
In “Leviathan,” Hobbes argues that the social contract is a binding agreement between the individual and the government. He believed that individuals had a duty to obey the laws and regulations put in place by the government in exchange for the protection and benefits that the government provided.
In conclusion, Hobbes` concept of the social contract is an agreement between the individual and the government. It is an exchange of freedom for security and protection. Hobbes believed that the social contract was essential for society to function and for individuals to live in peace and security. The social contract is still a relevant concept today and is at the heart of political theory and philosophy.
