Social Contract Persuasive Essay

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Recommended: Compare Rousseau and Locke

Katelyn Suiter
Rashid
CIV 202-03
10/23/16
Persuasive Essay on Social Contract Once having discovered a new planet of Vespuccia, humanity encountered the old problem of colonization and coping with the local population. In such a situation even the ages of adherence to progressive philosophy and democratic principles cannot help colonizers avoid a certain level of violence. People have obviously caused much injustice to Vespuccians, which entailed the hatred and distrust of local tribes. The old wounds lead to new conflicts, but the vicious circle should be broken. In this regard, scholars believe that the Rousseau's theory of Social Contract can be helpful. Rousseau's model of society, applied on Vespuccia, guarantees a peaceful coexistence of the two races, high rates of economic development, and loyalty of all the citizens to the state and Sovereign.
After studying the three theories of Social Contract by Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau I found that the philosophers have different approaches to several basic concepts like human nature, State of Nature, the terms of Social Contract, and the rights and obligations of the individual and Sovereign. These …show more content…

People had to reject their natural rights that consisted of the freedom to act violently against one another; and appoint a Sovereign that would supervise the fulfillment of the social contract and punish violators. No one has a right to rebel against the Sovereign no matter how cruel or unfit he may be. According to John Locke, the State of Nature ends once people agree to transfer their right to punish transgressors of the natural law to the Sovereign. This figure assumes all the power but the rest of people obey him on voluntary terms. If a king or government becomes tyrannical or incapable of protecting the citizens and their property, people have the right to revolt and change

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