Question

Compare and contrast the social contract theories of Thomas Hobbes and John locke

Answer 1

Your essay should include examples explaining the different interpretations of social contract theory. It might include these points:

Hobbes

The state of nature is a state of war.

A state of war makes people very individualistic and out for themselves.

Human reason pushes for people to come together for protection.

Submitting to authority is a necessity for protection.

The preferred form of government is monarchy, which is needed for absolute authority.

Self defense is an acceptable reason for disobedience to authority.

Locke

The state of nature is a state of isolation (i.e., no government with power).

Sovereignty is dependent on the people.

There is no need for absolute authority.

Natural rights exist and occur without government.

People willingly enter a social contract to allow themselves peace of mind.

Rebellion is permitted to prevent a society in which might makes right.

Answer 2

Hobbes is a good example of the old way of thinking about social contracts and Locke had more modern ideas. Hobbes, having lived through various horrible periods of English history was very pessimistic. He believed people were inherently evil and that the social contract between them and the monarch should be lifelong labor in exchange for protection. As a result, Hobbes believed people had no given rights upon birth. Locke had a very different view than Hobbes and reflected much more modern enlightenment thinking. He believed that the government should be a democracy, and should guarantee unalienable rights to citizens.