Define social contract and explane the different views of Hobbs and Locke.
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http://www.iep.utm.edu/soc-cont/
http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/hobbes-moral/
http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/locke/
The social contract is a concept in political philosophy that explores the relationship between individuals and the government. It suggests that individuals willingly give up certain freedoms and rights to the government in exchange for protection and the promotion of their collective well-being.
Thomas Hobbes and John Locke are two prominent philosophers who had different views on the social contract.
1. Hobbes' View:
Hobbes' view on the social contract is characterized by his belief in human nature. He argued that humans are naturally selfish and driven by their own self-interests. According to Hobbes, without a central authority, life would be "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short." To escape this chaotic state (which he called the state of nature), individuals enter into a social contract by surrendering their rights to a sovereign authority. In return, the sovereign enforces laws and maintains order, creating stability and security.
2. Locke's View:
Locke's view on the social contract contrasts with Hobbes'. He believed that humans are inherently reasonable and have natural rights, including life, liberty, and property. According to Locke, the state of nature is not necessarily a state of chaos but rather a state of freedom. However, acknowledging that conflicts and disagreements may arise, people enter into a social contract to form a limited government that preserves their natural rights. The government's purpose is to protect these rights, and if it fails to do so, the people have the right to revolt and establish a new government.
To summarize, Hobbes believed that the social contract is necessary to escape the state of nature and ensure security, while Locke believed that it is formed to protect natural rights and that individuals have the right to overthrow a government that fails to protect those rights.