Define social contract theory What does it attempt to explai

Define social contract theory. What does it attempt to explain?

Solution

According to social contract theory - “morality consists in the set of rules governing behavior, that rational people would accept, on the condition that others accept them as well.” (Rachels, p. 145)

We are already familiar with the concept of contracts like marriage, citizenship and employment. Put simply a contract is a sort of agreements betwween two parties. if one party voilates theterms of the agreement, the contract is no longer valid. Societies are controlled by governments. This is the starting point of discussing social contract theory. Put simply this theory attemps to explain the fact that people benefit from living together in countries, kindom or under any other governmental jurisdiction. Living in societies hoever requires rules and laws. Societies are the result of compromises and social contracts provide framework for how people and governments are to interact. Individuals who stay together may gain protection from the other social elements that might try to harm them. In return they must give up certain freedoms like ability to commit crimes without being punished. They should contribte to making societies stable, healthy and happy.

The idea of the social contract has a long history leading as far as the ages of mesopotanians. however it was not until the enlightment of 17th and 18th century that social contract theory gained widespread attention. The enlightment was a time when intellectuals began to question established views relating to religion, science, economics and government. Social contract theory challenged both the moral and social elements of power.