Evolution and the Modern Social Contract Theory : Essay Outline

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The Emergence of the Modern Social Contract Theory

Essay Outline

POLS 14033 – Political Ideas and Ideologies

The Emergence of the Modern Social Contract Theory

Essay Question:

Firstly, in this essay, we will describe and analyze the various concepts of the evolution and emergence of the modern social contract theory thru the analysis of several of its key political thinkers. We will provide a detailed review of the concepts that have developed and that were crucial for the emergence and evolution of this theory including the questions of the origin of society and the legitimacy of the authority of the state over the individuals. We will describe the social context in which the modern social contract theory has originated and how this theory has influenced political thinkers of the time.

Secondly, we will identify the key thinkers in the development of the theory by introducing each of them and discussing their respective political theory of the subject. The main thinkers that we will introduce in his essay are Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Immanuel Kant and Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

Thesis Statement:

Essentially, the social contract theory states that the individuals have abandoned their freedom to submit to the authority of the state and therefore the majority. The question of equality is also very predominating in the writing about the theory.

In this essay, we will demonstrate that each of the three key political thinkers identified have contributed to the development of social contract theory in their own way and that each of them has gave an different interpretation of the theory of social contract in his work. We will demonstrate how each of these prominent political thinkers solve and analyze th...

... middle of paper ...

...m harming you or your “property”. He categorizes the state of nature as being a state of liberty. His arguments on property will also be essential to my essay with his thoughts on civil government and it’s contracts. According to him property is created by ones labour with the raw materials Mother Nature provided. This concept is little far fetched in today’s world and technology however is considered a corner stone of the social contract theory.

5. McCullough, H.B. and Wolfgang Depner. “Readings In Political Ideology Since The Rise Of Modern Science”, Canada, Oxford University Press. (P: 10-11)

This section will help me conclude my essay john Locke’s thoughts on the state of nature and the world where there was no such thing as property or money. Laws of the land arbitrate the right of property arbitrates while possession of land is by positive constitutions.

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