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Understanding Contractarianism Theory

The document discusses different theories of contractarianism proposed by Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Contractarianism is based on the idea that rational individuals in a state of nature can agree to form societies and governments to increase security and benefits, trading some freedom. Hobbes argued people would live in a state of war without rules, while Locke and Rousseau believed people consent to governments that protect natural rights in exchange for protection. Rousseau emphasized civil societies must preserve everyone's freedom and equality.

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105 views17 pages

Understanding Contractarianism Theory

The document discusses different theories of contractarianism proposed by Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Contractarianism is based on the idea that rational individuals in a state of nature can agree to form societies and governments to increase security and benefits, trading some freedom. Hobbes argued people would live in a state of war without rules, while Locke and Rousseau believed people consent to governments that protect natural rights in exchange for protection. Rousseau emphasized civil societies must preserve everyone's freedom and equality.

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leo tesorero
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We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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CONTRACTARIANISM

Hobbes|Locke|Rousseau

Group 3: ABASOLO | BALDEMORO


Contents
01 02 03
WHAT IS VARIETIES OF THOMAS HOBBES
CONTRACTARIANISM? CONTRACTARIANISM CONTRACTARIANISM

04 05 06
jEAN-JACQUES GAME/KAHOOT
JOHN lOCKE
ROUSSEAU
WHAT IS CONTRACTARIANISM?

● Contractarianism is based on the idea that we


as rational, free, self-serving individuals can,
and often do, trade in some of our freedom for
increased benefits and security in society.
Varieties of Contractarianism
● In political theory, contractarianism is usually
associated with a theory popular in the early
modern period known as “social contract
theory.”

● The moral theory of contractarianism claims


that moral norms derive their normative force
from the idea of contract or mutual agreement.
HOBBES
Thomas hobbes CONTRACTARIANISM
● The father of modern contractarian theory is
Thomas Hobbes, who argued that any individual
in a social situation where there were no rules
imposing restrictions on anyone’s behavior
would have a life that was “solitary, poor, nasty,
brutish, and short.”
● Hobbesian line of social contract thought, holds
that persons are primarily self-interested.
LOCKE
John locke CONTRACTARIANISM
● John Locke developed the theory further,
arguing that this contract is only legitimate to
the extent that it meets the general interest.

● It was an agreement which had a purpose that


the government is to protect the people's
natural rights in exchange for that protection,
the people give up their less important
freedoms.
rOUSSEAU
Jean-jacques rousseau CONTRACTARIANISM
● Rousseau started with the assertion of the
natural freedom of human beings at birth.

● Rousseau's central argument is that government


attains its right to exist and to govern by “the
consent of the governed.”
Questions arise
1. What makes an act morally right or wrong
according to Contractarianism?

Actions are morally right just because they are


permitted by rules that free, equal, and rational
people would agree to live by, on the condition
that others obey these rules as well.
2. What are the similarities between Hobbes,
Locke, and Rousseau of Contractarianism?

Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau are all social


contract theorists that believe in how the people
should have certain rights which allows them to
have individual freedom.
3. Difference between Hobbes, Locke, and
Rousseau Contractarianism

● Hobbes theory supports absolute sovereign


without giving any value to individuals, while
Locke and Rousseau supports individual than
the state or the government.
● Underlying this basic difference is Rousseau's
insistence that civil society must be based upon
preservation of everyone's freedom and equality
in contrast with Hobbes' insistence that civil
society must be based upon power and fear.
references
Darwall, S. (Ed.). (2003).
Contractarianism/Contractualism. Blackwell
Publishers Ltd.

Butcher, D and Kelly, P. (Ed.). (2005). The Social


Contract from Hobbes to Rawls. Taylor & Francis
e-Library.
THANK YOU! :)
KAHOOT!

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