Introduction
Social Contract Theory according to Erckel (2009) is the view that an individual’s ethical or political responsibilities depends on an agreement or a contract among them to form the society in which they dwell. Social Contract Theory in reference to Erckel (2009) is rightly associated with the modern moral theory and it has been given full description and justification by Thomas Hobbes. Arguably, Hobbes, Jean-Jacques and John Locke are the best acknowledged proponents of this extremely influential theory that has been one of the dominant theories within ethical, moral and political theory all through the history of the modern west. Contemporarily, philosophers from diverse perspectives have offered criticisms of Social Contract Theory. This essay explains main features of Social Contract Theory defining weakness and strengths associated with the theory. Social contract theories according to White (2009) are theories founded on morality and the legitimacy of political authority. White (2009) argues that morality consists in the set of rules that people who are rational and self interested accept as basic conditions of social livelihood under the condition that other people in the society like them. Erckel (2009) further indicates that implementation of these rules entails giving up some liberties to a common power (government).
Types of social contracts
According to White (2009) there two types of social contracts i.e. explicit and implicit social contract where by an actual consent required and hypothetical social contract is where by even though there is no tangible agreement for a social contract, a person agrees in various ultimate circumstances. In keeping with Erckel (2009) Locke thinks that there was an explicit agreement in the beginning of many states a fact that was objected by David Hume by stating that the origin of most actual government is either through conquest or usurpation. White (2009) states that, in implicit social contract individuals agree to the contract through actions and not necessarily words. As such, citizens implicitly assent through habitation, through political participation and through acceptance of benefits.
Fundamentals of the Social Contract theory
Social contract theory has two principal elements (Bottomley, 2007). The initial element is pre-political situation also referred to by modern philosophers as “state of nature”, and the later “Original Position” by Rawls which is the most noteworthy contemporary proponent of Social Contract theory. In the first “state of nature” all people are equal and are all situated symmetrically relative to each other (White, 2009). White (2009) further indicates that all people have some incentive to leave the first situation in favor of some relative progress that is achieved through entry to the civil society. According to Bottomley (2007) the other element is normative characterization of individuals to the contract.
Evaluation of SCT
Arguably, one strength of social contract theory as stated by Erckel (2009) is that it gives us a conceivable answer to why individual must obey moral rules. In keeping with Bottomley (2007) people should obey moral rules because doing so assists harmonious social living. Arguably, moral rules prohibit assault, murder, theft, sexual promiscuity among others.
Critics of Social Contract theory object on the theory on the bases that we do not implicitly agree or sign a contract setting out of the societal moral values. White (2009) indicates that a major problem with social contract theorist like Hobbes is the whole notion that more obligations are reciprocated. As such Hobbes theory has been challenged by John Locke who argues that morality is not necessarily based on law and government or even social contract. According to Locke, there would still be need to set up some governing body where individuals are morally equal and would be in a –position to enforce punishment for wrongs done. One criticism here would be that people could have a predisposition of being biased. Bottomley (2007) indicates that another criticism observed is the Locke’s state of nature highly depends on various religious connotations.
Social contract theory seeks to elaborate on the formation of societies (Bottomley, 2007). Despite enormous variations on some points, the theory mainly focuses on voluntary consent that individuals give to the formation of government. In addition, the social contract theory denotes an implicit agreement within a state about the responsibilities and rights of the state that is the government and the citizens (Erckel, 2009). Erckel (2009) indicates that it is an implicit or explicit agreement and it lay emphasizes on the rights of the citizens in relation the government. Social contract theory posits that citizens’ rights are prior to and more elementary than the societal organization under a government. Conclusively, Bottomley (2007) indicates that the ruled in fundamental nature should be the rulers. A political order offering chances to participate in the alignment of the public affairs must not be just a state; Bottomley (2007) indicates that information on the type of society where the affairs are integrated in the affairs of the citizens.
References
Bottomley, S. (2007). The constitutional corporation rethinking corporate governance. Aldershot, England Burlington, VT: Ashgate.
Erckel, S. (2009). Classical Social Contract Theory The Classical Social Contract Theories of Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau Compared. München: GRIN Verlag GmbH.
White, J. (2009). Contemporary moral problems. Australia United States: Thomson Wadsworth.
