1. Who Are the Social Contract Theorists? What Are the Similarities and Differences in Their Theories?
The social contract is one of the cornerstones of modern political thought, questioning how humans transitioned from a state of nature to an organized society. The main theorists are:
• Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679):
In Leviathan, he describes the state of nature as one of chaos and fear. The solution is for individuals to give up all their rights to a sovereign (a king) to ensure order and security.
• John Locke (1632-1704):
Rejecting Hobbes’ pessimism, in Two Treatises of Government, Locke argues that in the state of nature, people already have natural rights to life, liberty, and property. The social contract creates a limited government to protect these rights.
• Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778):
In The Social Contract, Rousseau rejects absolute power and instead focuses on the “general will,” where individuals unite to form a collective will. True freedom, for Rousseau, is achieved when individuals obey laws they create themselves.
• Similarities:
All three theorists agree that the social contract is essential for the formation of society.
• Differences:
While Hobbes advocates for absolute power, Locke proposes a limited government, and Rousseau emphasizes direct democracy through the general will.
2. What Are the Main Political Thinkers from Ancient, Renaissance, and Enlightenment Periods, and What Were Their Contributions to Political Thought?
• Ancient Period:
• Plato (427-347 BC):
In The Republic, Plato emphasizes justice as the foundation of the state. He proposes an ideal society governed by philosopher-kings.
• Aristotle (384-322 BC):
In Politics, Aristotle views humans as “political animals” and classifies government systems into monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy, analyzing each system’s potential for corruption.
• Renaissance: