Theory of Social Contract - Essay Example

Response to the Question Hobbes theory of Social Contract ratifies the condition in which individuals give up their individual liberties, in exchange for a common security. In this theory, no limits exist to the natural rights to liberty. Through the social contract, people are able to transfer their mutual rights. According to Hobbes, individuals sacrifice their liberty to the Leviathan because the society in which people are born into has laws and convection that are already in place (Baumgold, 53).

Additionally, the society has widespread civilization and organisation with individuals upholding societal norms. Folks have no option but to adhere to the existing limited conventions and laws instead of exploiting their natural unlimited rights. The application of Hobbes’ ideas in the modern society is apt. Its application is important due to many reasons. First, the societies’ population grows rapidly, and there is a need to avail stronger societal norms that can hold people together.

Laws are vital in ensuring that the large population of the world coexists in peace. Secondly, the world of today embraces capitalism, which leaves a larger part of the world population grieving in poverty. Without proper policies such as property rights, the poor population can trespass into the property of the rich people. In conclusion, Hobbes reiterates that people tend to sacrifice their natural liberties to the Leviathan because of the pre-existing conventions and property rights that they find in the society.

It is important, to reinforce such legislation in the contemporary society to ensure the maintenance of sanity and order amongst the world’s populace. Work Cited Baumgold, Deborah. Contract Theory in Historical Context: Essays on Grotius, Hobbes, and Locke. Leiden: Brill, 2010. Print.