The Social Contract Coursework Example

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The social contract theory by Jean Jacques Rousseau
Abstract
Diverse concepts to explain happenings have been developed by different thinkers from all over the globe. The works of these thinkers cannot be ignored since it helps humanity explain various aspects. One great thinker whose works have been influential to humanity is Jean Rousseau who is famous for coming up with the social contract theory. Rousseau’s theory points out that for humanity to enjoy independence, rules and regulations have to be observed. The foundation of this theory is that we are all born free, but we all get bound up in chains no matter where we are found. Rousseau’s theory indicates that division of labor contributed to the emergence of inventions hence making man’s life easier hence making him have leisure time. The leisure time then contributes to comparisons among individuals and this further contributes to the emergence of vices in the society. Further, inequality can be attributed to the existence of private property. Rousseau is not the only philosopher that discusses social contract since John Locke also discusses this philosophy but from a different perspective. Rousseau’s theory has a shortcoming since it is founded on the belief that all individuals are born equal a fact that lacks validity in the modern world where social status identifies individuals.
Keywords: Social contract, equality, liberty
Part 1
The Social Contract Theory by Jean Jacques Rousseau
Rousseau’s theory points out that people have an agreement to observe rules and regulations so that they can enjoy independence.

Rousseau’s theory is based on the philosophy that man is ever bound in chains despite having been born free (Hardwick n.p.). According to this philosopher, before the social contract came into existence, man was endowed with happiness and equality. The aspect of social contract emerged due to population growth hence forcing people to put up together as families or communities and forcing them to adopt the aspect of division of labor. Due to the division of labor, inventions and discoveries were made hence making people have leisure time since things were made easier. The leisure time then made people start comparing themselves hence contributing to the emergence of pride and contempt, public values, shame, and envy (Hardwick n.p.). However, this philosopher indicates that humanity failed when private property was invented since it contributed to the existence of inequality, vanity, greed, vice, and competition. Therefore, the invention of property led to the rise of the general will. Rousseau’s theory indicates that civilization led to the emergence of the social contract that led to the creation of a new form of social organization with the mandate of assuring communities their equality, liberties, freedom, and rights.
Part 2
Apart from Rousseau’s theory, John Locke’s theory can be used to explain the social contract. Locke indicates that there was a state of nature characterized by equality and independence. The state of nature was guided by morality and not a civil authority as indicated in Rousseau’s theory. Therefore, Locke’s theory indicates that humans were at liberty to do as they wished, but morality controlled their actions.
Part 3
Despite explaining the emergence of the social contract, Rousseau fails to explain how the emergence of communities corrupted man. Another weakness that can be identified in this theory is where Rousseau indicates that all individuals are born equal. This assumption does not hold in the modern world since people are differentiated by their social status.
Work Cited
Hardwick, Nicola A. “Rousseau and the Social Contract Tradition.” E-International Relations, 1 Mar. 2011, www.e-ir.info/2011/03/01/rousseau-and-the-social-contract-tradition/. Accessed 20 Mar. 2018.