Social Contract Theor

Social Contract Thoery

Denania L. Galloway

Abstract
“Natural existence without a binding agreement among those who live together can create danger for all concerned” (Souryal, 2007, p. 78).   Therefore, there is an overwhelming need for a social contract.   During the tenth century after citizen revolts, there were three main key players in the establishment of the social contract theory: Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Montesquieu.   These three men envisioned a society were people would be free from “social and religious injustices (p. 78) and the people would be able to be free to carry out their inalienable rights.
This paper will examine the social contract theories posed by the three main authors previously mentioned.   Additionally, this paper will discuss how the principles of the social contract theory relate to the United States’ Bill of Rights and the criminal justice system.
Social Contract Theory
Social Contract Theories
Thomas Hobbes
Thomas Hobbes was a philosopher who believed “man can be transformed from his ‘natural state’ to that of a civil society” (Souryal, 2007, p. 79).   Therefore, Hobbes social contract view was that man had to submit to the collective masses in order to have “individual security and prosperity (p. 79).   By giving up individual rights to the collective, a civil society will form and prosper.
Furthermore, Hobbes believed a central government would be key to ensure the success of this civil society.   The central government will set laws to make sure everyone within the society is safe and is able to enjoy their property and life.   Hobbes believed that the natural state of man was savage and competitive.   Therefore, it could only end up in turmoil if a central government was not put in place to rule.
John Locke
John Locek believed the same principle of the social contract theory: all people are entitled to live in a society where they are safe and are able to enjoy their property.   However, Locke had more of a... [continues]

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