One element to note is that the phrase "social contract" was coined by Rousseau. Applying that idea to what Hobbes was saying overlooks the "I won't kill you if you don't kill me" deal Hobbes was talking about.
Anthology: Exploring Ethics: An Introductory Anthology, 5th Edition
This is a shortened version of his theory: Thomas Hobbes's social contract theory proposes that individuals in a society agree to give up certain freedoms in exchange for protection and stability provided by a governing authority (a sovereign) with absolute power. This agreement, whether implicit or explicit, forms the basis of the state's legitimacy and authority over its citizens.
Again, I am just looking for a specific country that is a good example of his theory.
Again, I am just looking for a specific country that is a good example of his theory.
I am not familiar with the text of this summary you refer to but Hobbes lived through the English Civil War and justified the monarchy on the basis of that experience. It was not a thought experiment for him.
Comments (11)
Are you writing a college essay?
Have you read Hobbes?
What do you think about it?
Are you reading the Leviathan or something else?
Please link to the collection.
This is a shortened version of his theory: Thomas Hobbes's social contract theory proposes that individuals in a society agree to give up certain freedoms in exchange for protection and stability provided by a governing authority (a sovereign) with absolute power. This agreement, whether implicit or explicit, forms the basis of the state's legitimacy and authority over its citizens.
Again, I am just looking for a specific country that is a good example of his theory.
I am not familiar with the text of this summary you refer to but Hobbes lived through the English Civil War and justified the monarchy on the basis of that experience. It was not a thought experiment for him.
All countries have the social contract. It's in the name "country". Look up the definition.
Unincorporated nations no longer exist.