Why does the state exist ? Cours 1

From the study guide

Social Contract & State Formation Revision Sheet

📌 Essentials

  • The social contract is a voluntary agreement that justifies the origin of the State.
  • State of nature: pre-civil society, humans are free, equal, and ungoverned.
  • Hobbes views the natural state as perpetual war, life as "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, short."
  • Locke emphasizes natural law and inalienable rights: life, liberty, property.
  • Rousseau believes humans are inherently good; society and private property cause inequality.
  • Natural rights are inalienable and cannot be surrendered.
  • Causes of conflict: human irrationality (Locke), private property and inequality (Rousseau).
  • Hobbes advocates for an absolute sovereign to maintain peace.
  • Locke supports limited government with the right to rebellion.
  • Rousseau promotes a voluntary social contract based on the general will.

2. 🧩 Key Structures & Components

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Practice quiz preview

1. What is the state of nature according to Locke's political philosophy?

2. What is the primary role of the social contract in the state of nature?

3. How can a government practically apply the concept of the social contract to resolve conflicts arising from property disputes and social inequality?

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Flashcard preview

Social contract — purpose?

Establishes social order and authority.

State of nature — characteristics?

Pre-civil society, humans free and equal.

Hobbes' view — human nature?

Evil, selfish, perpetual war.

Social contract — definition?

Voluntary agreement justifying state's origin.

State of nature — characteristics?

Pre-civil, humans free, equal, ungoverned.

Hobbes — view of natural state?

Perpetual war,

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