The Social Contract Theory - Essay Example

assignment is due Hobbes and Locke wrote about the ‘social contract.’ Which of them do you think developed the best version of this concept? In your answer explain your criteria for ‘best’. Answer 1 The Social Contract theory belongs to the seventeenth and eighteenth century. The theory explained four crucial points. Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, James Harrington, and Jean Jacques Rousseau are the named associated with Social Contract theory. Thomas Hobbes and John Locke are the men whose theories are highly valued in the topic of social contract. Thomas Hobbes and John Locke are considered as the most influential political theorists the world has ever seen. Thomas Hobbes and John Locke developed their own theories about human nature. Their theories suggested how men should govern themselves. Even though some of the ideas of these men were similar, some were different. For example, Hobbes was of the opinion that politics should be found on the desire of power and fear of death. He desired to form a powerful state, which he named as Leviathan. In his Social Contract theory Hobbes opined that men should surrender their rights to an authority so that they can act for them, on their behalf. According to him sovereign authority must be supreme to conquer the fear of death in nature. This concept says that government should exist just for the safety of the people. Political views concerning the philosophy of government also underwent changes over the time. The ideas and philosophies of Hobbes and Locke became popular throughout the world and resulted in the formation of new governments. Both Locke and Hobbes realized that people form a social contract within their society. However they have different views about the meaning of social contract and the nature of its establishment. Both of them put forward their own versions of social contract. However, both of them admitted that considering the protection of the society certain types of freedom should be surrendered. They further say that government has certain responsibilities towards its citizens. John Locke idea of Social Contract theory is found to be the best for all Social Contract theories. Best social theory is what is reliable, rational and what considers the limitations of all the factors involved. John Lockes idea of social contract is found to be more palatable than that of Hobbes. John Locke not just define the cause and nature of social contract, he rather rationalizes his ideas in a wonderful way. Locke’s theory of ideal government and the relationship between people and government is more reliable and consistent than the theory of Hobbes. Hobbes idea of monarchy assumes the consistency, reliability and absolute goodness of the ruler. Locke’s theory however considers the limitations of human beings in reality. John Locke’s theory of social government is therefore more realistic and practical than the theory of Hobbes. However, John Locke’s theory of the state of nature is as questionable as the theory of Thomas Hobbes. As Locke deals with the question of property, he makes a proper explanation of the difference between property of a man, and the property of mankind. Both Hobbes and Locke were social contract theorists. Almost all natural law theorists assumed that man is a social animal, by nature. Hobbes denied this concept; this made his conclusions different from the theories of other natural law theorists. According to Hobbes people should surrender their natural rights to the sovereign authority that rules them. The ruling authority should gain strength from the complete submission of its people. Even though the power of the authority is gathered from the people, the authority should have absolute power. Locke’s theory however says that the submission to the ruling authority is irrational. Government should protect the rights of the people. Government also should be run by the people. Locke’s theory is proved to be most practical as democracy is the ruling concept in majority of the world nations. Hobbes theory of absolute power of the ruling authority is no longer applicable in the modern world. Explain briefly why Kant’s views amount to a major new way of understanding philosophy.   Answer 2 Philosophy, according to Immanuel Kant, is the result of the use of human reason, independently of experience. Reason is both theoretically and practically used. Reason is considered theoretical when it is associated with the way matters really are. Reason is considered practical when it is concerned with the way matters ought to be. The two crucial braches of philosophy are metaphysics and ethics. Metaphysics is the investigation derivable from the nature of reality. Ethics include the rules which individuals with free will are supposed to follow. A major difference between ethics and the traditional physics concepts explains Immanuel Kant’s basic orientation towards philosophy. Immanuel Kant believed that traditional metaphysics explains the objects that are fully beyond the scope of the scenes. This makes the objects being divided into a sensible world and intelligible world. It further says that human reason has insight into the characteristics of completely intelligible objects. Ethics, is however different; it takes a contrary stand to metaphysics. It considers the practical use of reason as if it is related only with sensible objects, particularly with their relation to pain and pleasure. According to Emmanuel Kant ethics has no relationship with anything sensible. He says that metaphysics should be confined completely to the discovery of the rules that rule the sensible world. Immanuel Kant deemed himself as a revolutionary thinker. He introduced a new method to the subject of philosophy. Kant termed this method as criticism. Even though there are several other philosophers who opened new channels of philosophy, they have ignored the concept of power of human reason to think. Criticism shows the intrinsic limitations of reason when it is theoretically employed. This makes it reject transcendent metaphysics. However, it further explains the power of reason over the other domain of objects, the objects of experience. It also tells that reason explains to itself the moral law. Immanuel Kant’s views help us have a proper view of philosophy. References Immanuel Kant, Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals, Hackett Publishing Company, 1993. Read More