Social Contract Theory
NAME
AJS/532
July 8, 2013
Margery Melvin
Social Contract Theory
Throughout history societies rise and fall for various reasons but what remains is that people, regardless of moral or ethical background, understand that for the greater good of society; everyone must adhere to a social contract to benefit mutually everyone. “Social contract theory, nearly as old as philosophy itself, is the view that persons’ moral and/or political obligations are dependent upon a contract or agreement among them to form the society in which they live” (Friend, 2004, para. 1). Furthermore, John Locke’s theory of social contract is the driving force behind the foundation of the United States government and criminal justice system that Americans know today. This paper will describe the various social contract theories, a focus of John Locke’s principles as well as how Locke’s principles relate to the U.S. Bill of Rights, the criminal justice system, and the freedom in relationship to personal rights and ethical standards.
Social Contract Theory
Socrates, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Thomas Hobbes, and John Locke are a few of the most notable theorist with regard to the social contract theory. According to Socrates, “A just man is one who will, among other things, recognize his obligation to the state by obeying its laws. The state is the morally and politically most fundamental entity, and as such deserves our highest allegiance and deepest respect” (Friend, para. 4). Those that choose to live in the governing body of the state automatically accept and must abide by the laws as directed. Socrates uses this argument to describe why a man who has violated the laws of Athens must stay and accept his punishment. The city of Athens is why the man has made his way of life, the reason it was possible for the man’s parents to marry and bare a son, and the reason he received an education. By these virtues, the man has a responsibility to the...