Social Contract Theory Thomas Hobbes 5 April 1588 – 4 December 1679 Leviathan 1651 1

Pre-industrial Societies Two-tiered The elites who rule (2-5%) Peasants, slaves, etc (95-98%

Feudalism Society exists to maintain order Societies rulers are ordained by God You are live your entire life in the class you were born into Lower classes are inferior to higher classes

The Liberal Tradition Society exists to protect human rights and ensure human freedom Rulers are those best able to provide this protection and such freedoms.

The Basic Facts of Human nature People have equal basic needs (e.g. food, sex, shelter, warmth, etc.) 2) The good that fulfill our needs are of limited supply. 3) Human power is essentially equal. 4) Human beings are fundamentally self interested

Egoism The only real motivation we ever have is self-interest – our own personal pleasure and well-being. Other things – even other people! - only matter to us insofar as they contribute to our pleasure and well-being 6

Hedonism The only thing good is pleasure The only thing bad is pain Good = Pleasure Bad = Pain

The State of Nature 8

Reason Cost/Benefit Analysis

The Social Contract 10

Objections to the theory 1) There never was a social contract 2) Why should I obey the contract? 3) What about duties to those who can't agree to the contract and/or benefit us (i.e., non-human animals, babies, severely cognitively challenged people).

John Locke 1632-1704 Key ideas: Democracy Separation of Powers Religious Toleration “Tabula Rasa” Property Rights

Property Rights If I labor to achieve or build something, than I should be entitled to the fruit of my labor. This means that I should own it. It is my property.

Jean-Jacques Rosseau B 1712 D 1789 Key Ideas: Noble Savage Education Benign “State of nature” The General Will

Chimps or Bonobos?