Question

What is a simple definition of a social contract?

Answer 1

A social contract is an unofficial agreement shared by everyone in a society in which they give up some freedom for security. ... As members of a society, we agree to the social contract — we cooperate with each other and obey society's laws. We also give up some freedoms, because we want the protection society can offer.

Answer 2

social contract, in political philosophy, an actual or hypothetical compact, or agreement, between the ruled or between the ruled and their rulers, defining the rights and duties of each. ... They then, by exercising natural reason, formed a society (and a government) by means of a social contract.