The social contract theories emphasize the origin of laws and states. It also entails the power and influence of these states on the communities and individuals (Economides, 2018). The concept of social contract theory revolves around the works of Hobbes, Rousseau, and Locke on their perspective of human nature and society. These theories emerge out of the desire for security, safety and the demand for fulfillment through people’s collective agreement that transforms the human realm from the primordial state to a more organized state.

Thomas Hobbes

This theory states that man is a wolf of another man in the natural state (Economides, 2018). The natural state according to Hobbes is characterized by anarchy that makes people act out of their personal best interests. The anarchy in the primordial state leads to a war of all people against all, morality is non-existent, and all people live in fear of death of constant violence. The disorganization of the primordial state contribute to the collective installation of a ruler known as Leviathan who uses all means including force to restore order to the benefit of the general population

John Locke

He envisioned a much less frightening natural state (Economides, 2018). According to Locke people in the natural state live in the freedom that leads to chaos and violence. Therefore, to reduce the confusion, people abandon some form of their liberty to starting regulating their lives through a ruler who can be overthrown if it does not fulfill its task to the people.

Rousseau

According to Rousseau, it is the society that corrupts man to start seeing violence as a consequence of politics (Economides, 2018). He is most critical of the government and idealized the primary form of direct democracy based on the will of the people.

The differences between these philosophers originate from their view of human nature (Economides, 2018). For instance, Hobbes is pessimistic about the nature of man; Locke is confident about the abilities of man while Rousseau agitates for a more active role of the people and that the state shouldn’t dominate the political processes.

References

Economides, N. (2018). The Theory of Social Contract and Legitimacy Today. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 9(5), 19.