Social contracts are a foundational concept in political and moral philosophy that address the origin and purpose of the state and its governance. The theory of social contracts posits that people live together in society under an agreement that establishes moral and political rules of behavior. Some people believe that if we lived without a government, we would live in a "state of nature" where there is no authority to resolve conflicts or protect our rights. To escape such an anarchic condition, individuals collectively agree to establish a state that has the authority and the power to enforce laws and maintain order, in exchange for some of the freedoms they might have in a state of nature.
The idea of social contracts can be traced back to ancient times but was revived and expanded in the 17th and 18th centuries by philosophers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Each had a different interpretation of the social contract, tailored to their unique views on human nature and the essential role of the state. Hobbes, for example, believed in a powerful, almost absolute authority to prevent the brutish life of the state of nature. In contrast, Locke’s view was more optimistic about human nature and he argued for a government with limited powers that would protect individuals' rights to life, liberty, and property. Rousseau proposed that the contract is between all members of society, and that the general will of the population should direct the state to promote equality and freedom.
The concept of a social contract is not only theoretical but also has practical implications in contemporary societies. It underpins modern democratic government and its legitimacy, suggesting that the power of the government derives from the consent of the governed. This principle is evident in the preamble of many constitutions around the world which often begin with a variant of "We the People", indicating that power originates from the populace. Moreover, the social contract theory supports the notion that citizens are not merely subjects under the rule of the government but are active participants in shaping public policy and governance.
However, the application and interpretation of social contracts can vary significantly in different contexts. For example, Foucauldian theory might suggest that social contracts are also mechanisms of control that institutions use to maintain power over individuals. In contrast, a Rawlsian view suggests that a fair social contract would ensure that social goods are distributed in a manner that is just and equitable, even if it means favoring the least advantaged members of society. This highlights the evolving nature of social contract theory in philosophical and practical debates on governance, rights, and ethics in society.