Social Contract Theory and Philosophers

This tutorial introduces the theory of state, focusing on the Social Contract Theory. It covers the perspectives of Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Hobbes describes a state of nature as a state of war, leading to a social contract for peace. Locke sees the state of nature as peaceful but inconvenient, necessitating a social and governmental contract. Rousseau believes civilization corrupted natural happiness, leading to a collective society under a general will. The tutorial concludes with a preview of the next topic, the theory of divine origin.

Which of the following is NOT one of the six subtopics mentioned in the tutorial?

• The Theory of Divine Origin

• The Theory of Evolution

• The Social Contract Theory

• The Marxist Theory of the Origin of the State

According to Thomas Hobbes, what was the state of nature characterized by?

• Prosperity and growth

• War and insecurity

• Equality and freedom

• Peace and harmony

What did Hobbes believe was the main reason for forming a social contract?

• To escape the state of war

• To gain wealth

• To promote education

• To establish democracy

According to John Locke, what was missing in the state of nature that led to the formation of civil society?

• Natural rights

• A common authority

• Freedom of speech

• Economic stability

What are the two contracts that Locke mentions in his theory?

• Political and social contracts

• Social and economic contracts

• Governmental and economic contracts

• Social and governmental contracts

According to Rousseau, what corrupted man and deprived him of his freedom?

• Ignorance

• War

• Civilization

• Nature

What did Rousseau believe was the result of the social contract?

• A moral and collective will

• An economic system

• A political hierarchy

• A state of war

What did Rousseau mean by 'general will'?

• The will of the majority

• The will of the government

• The will of the individual

• The collective will for the common good

What is the main theme of the Social Contract Theory discussed in the tutorial?

• The origin of the state

• The decline of monarchy

• The rise of capitalism

• The development of democracy

What will be the focus of the next tutorial?

• The Historical Theory of Evolution of State

• The Matriarchal Theory

• The Theory of Divine Origin

• The Patriarchal Theory