Social Compact Theory

The social compact, sometimes called the social contract, is what 17th and 18th century philosophers believed people made when they left the state of nature and entered into civilized society. Individuals surrendered autonomy in order to create agreeable rules by which to live. Though variations and criticisms of the basic theory exist, it has had extensive influence on Western political thought and continues to be debated and reshaped today.

History

Social compact theory begins with philosopher Thomas Hobbes' work "Leviathan," published in 1651. Hobbes argues that scarce resources and overpopulation led people to create small, protective communities that were naturally democratic and dedicated to trade. Other theorists, including John Locke in his "Second Treatise on Government" and Jean-Jacques Rousseau in "The Social Contract," expanded upon Hobbes' original work. Their books shaped democratic movements in Europe and the American colonies.

Theory

Hobbes' basic premise is that man is happier in the state of nature than the civilized world because he is not subject to rules, but he will surrender this happiness if it means protection and food. People agree to follow the state's decrees, surrendering all rights but the right to defend one's life. Rousseau softens Hobbes' cynicism, saying man is not forced by life's necessities to join the state, but rather chooses to for his own good. Both Hobbes and Rousseau see society as creating morality and rules, although for Hobbes it is forced upon people by the state, while for Rousseau, people choose to be moral.

Both men agree that no one has rights over another individual, but the individual is subject to the general will of the people. Monarchies, by placing power in the hands of one person, are not just. Democracies, by granting power to all, are just.

Criticisms

English philosopher David Hume and German philosopher Immanuel Kant realized that the social compact relied on participants to be rational and moral, while wondering if people were either. They included social groups and political factions in their criticism. Kant laid out a series of rules in his "Critique of Practical Reason" and other essays to create self-consistent laws that did not favor private groups or interests. Kant argued that large groups would eliminate irrational behavior. Hume and Hobbes both felt that groups, once having created irrational rules, would continue to follow them. Hobbes therefore argued that only a powerful government with rational individuals in charge could control mob mentality.

Significance

Social compact theory played a major role in the thinking of the leaders of the American Revolution and their French counterparts a decade later. The work of these early theorists, particularly Locke and Rousseau, played directly into their plans for establishing a democracy with extensive individual liberties and a free market system.

The Founding Fathers also debated the power of the various governments, with states' rights advocates arguing that since the states created the federal government, the states alone could determine if it overstepped its authority. Legal challenges continued for decades, until the question was finally settled by the Civil War.

Influence

Thomas Jefferson's ideas that government does not rule simply by polite social contract but by threat of violent overthrow by the people has been embraced by some factions of today's conservative movement. Hobbes' and Rousseau's ideas on individual freedoms have become part of liberal and conservative platforms, though each often campaign for different freedoms.

References

• The Radical Academy
• The Online Library of Liberty

Resources

• The Claremont Institute