Social Contract Theory Flashcards

Study Notes

Limited Government

Government must not possess absolute authority and is limited in its powers.
Thomas Hobbes argued against extensive limits but maintained that a sovereign cannot harm subjects.

State of Nature

Refers to human behavior in the absence of civil government.
Hobbes viewed the state of nature as a realm of selfishness and chaos, prioritizing pleasure over justice.

State of War

Hobbes believed individuals in the state of nature were perpetually in conflict, described as a "war of all against all."
Individuals had the freedom to act as they wished, resulting in constant fear for their safety.

Unalienable Rights/Natural Rights

These are fundamental rights that cannot be stripped away, such as freedom of speech.

Equal Rights

The principle that all individuals, regardless of their attributes, possess the same rights.

Authority of the government derives from the consent of its people.
If the people do not consent, the government lacks legitimacy.

Represents an agreement among individuals to form a society and establish rules.
It defines the terms for membership and cooperation within the community.

Equality

Everyone is entitled to equal treatment and rights under the law.

Civil Society

Emerges when people leave the state of nature, characterized by adherence to justice rather than instinct.
In civil society, individuals gain civil liberties, property rights, and moral freedom, becoming self-governing.

The concept that governmental authority stems from a contract between the government and the governed.
Both parties have obligations that must be fulfilled for the contract's validity.

Description

Test your knowledge on Social Contract Theory with these flashcards. Learn key concepts like Limited Government and the State of Nature, both crucial to understanding philosophers such as Thomas Hobbes. Ideal for students studying political philosophy or ethics.