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The idea of a government based on a social contract was primarily advocated by three major Enlightenment philosophers: Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Each of these thinkers presented their own version of the social contract theory, influencing political thought for centuries.
What is the Social Contract Theory?
The social contract theory is the philosophical idea that individuals consent, either explicitly or implicitly, to surrender some of their freedoms and submit to the authority of a ruler or government, in exchange for protection of their remaining rights and maintenance of social order.
Key Philosophers Who Advocated Social Contract
Here’s a comparative table of the main philosophers and their views:
| Philosopher | Main Work | Key Ideas on Social Contract |
| Thomas Hobbes | Leviathan (1651) | Believed that in a state of nature, life would be “nasty, brutish, and short.” People need an absolute sovereign to maintain peace. |
| John Locke | Two Treatises of Government (1689) | Argued that people have natural rights (life, liberty, property). Government must protect these rights, and citizens can overthrow it if it fails. |
| Jean-Jacques Rousseau | The Social Contract (1762) | Believed in the “general will” of the people. Government should be based on popular sovereignty and democracy. |
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