social+contract

Social Contract refers to an idea that arose during the enlightenment period. The basic tennet was that in order for a society to function their must be a mutual agreement between the established order and the individual. The individual gives up something in order to be admitted into soceity, usually some for of a natural right, and was then granted something by the society. Hobbes believed that the individual should give up all natural rights for protection while Locke believed soceity should protect natural rights and the individual should never give these up. Many philosophers of the Enlightenment period thought each society had a social contract that the individual is a part of the moment from birth.

Created by Ian Worthington Edited by Allie Pinosky 2.12.09 Edited by Anna Mack 2-12-09