Write down notes on the history of "social contract" by evaluating the works of Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacque Rousseau, and references your work?

- Thomas Hobbes: In his work "Leviathan" (1651), Hobbes introduced the concept of the social contract as a means of establishing a stable society. He argued that in a state of nature, humans are inherently selfish and competitive, leading to a "war of all against all." To escape this state of nature, individuals must enter into a social contract with a sovereign authority, relinquishing some of their freedoms in exchange for protection and security. This sovereign authority, according to Hobbes, should have absolute power to maintain order and prevent chaos.

- John Locke: In his work "Two Treatises of Government" (1689), Locke presented a more optimistic view of human nature and the social contract. He believed that individuals are born with natural rights to life, liberty, and property, and that the purpose of government is to protect these rights. According to Locke, the social contract is a voluntary agreement between individuals and the government, in which the government's power is limited and based on the consent of the governed. If the government fails to protect the rights of its citizens, Locke argued that the people have the right to revolt and establish a new government.

- Jean-Jacques Rousseau: In his work "The Social Contract" (1762), Rousseau critiqued the existing social contract theories of Hobbes and Locke, arguing that they were based on flawed assumptions about human nature. Rousseau believed that humans are inherently good and compassionate, but that society corrupts them and leads to inequality and injustice. He proposed a new social contract based on the idea of the "general will," in which individuals come together to create a government that represents the collective interests of the people. According to Rousseau, this form of social contract would promote equality, freedom, and democracy.

References:
- Hobbes, Thomas. Leviathan. 1651.
- Locke, John. Two Treatises of Government. 1689.
- Rousseau, Jean-Jacques. The Social Contract. 1762.

Social Contract Theory

Thomas Hobbes (1651, Leviathan)

- Believed humans are inherently selfish and driven by fear.
- Argued that anarchy would lead to a "war of all against all."
- Proposed an absolute monarchy as the only form of government that could maintain order and protect individuals. Citizens surrender their rights to the sovereign in exchange for protection.

John Locke (1690, Second Treatise of Government)

- Challenged Hobbes's pessimistic view of human nature.
- Believed humans are rational and have natural rights: life, liberty, and property.
- Advocated for a limited government that protects these rights but is accountable to the people.
- Emphasized the consent of the governed as the basis for political authority.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1762, The Social Contract)

- Expanded on Locke's ideas of consent and popular sovereignty.
- Argued that individuals enter into a voluntary agreement, the "social contract," to create a just and equitable society.
- Believed the "general will" of the people should guide government decisions.
- Emphasized the importance of civic virtue and participation.

References:

- Hobbes, Thomas. (1651). Leviathan. London: Andrew Crooke.
- Locke, John. (1690). Two Treatises of Government. London: Awnsham and John Churchill.
- Rousseau, Jean-Jacques. (1762). The Social Contract. London: Penguin Classics.