Contractualism is a theoretical model created to explain the emergence of society. This theory is based on the idea that human beings lived in a pre-social state, called the state of nature, and abandoned it to sign a pact, the social contract.
Theories of contractualism arise from the need to explain the fact that human beings have organized themselves around societies governed by laws created by the State.
The thinkers who developed this school of thought are known as contractualist philosophers. Contractualists claim that before the social contract, all human beings were free and equal, living according to the laws of nature.
However, they will sign a social pact and abandon their natural freedom to build a society that will guarantee them the right to property.
Thus, contractualism will represent the abandonment of natural freedom and the emergence of civil freedom subject to laws. The State is born with the function of formulating laws that all individuals must follow.
Contractualists and different perspectives on the social contract
Contractualists differ on the factors that led human beings to abandon the state of nature and fulfill the social contract.
Thus, the three main contractualist theories were developed by Thomas Hobbes, John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Each has its own definition of the state of nature and why society has arisen.
These thinkers are also known as natural lawists for recognizing that individuals have natural rights.
Hobbes and the social contract as a guarantee of peace
For Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679), the human being guided by his natural tendency to violence, in a state of nature was in a constant war of all against all.
The Hobbesian social contract arises out of fear of a violent death. Thus, it is decided to give up natural freedom in favor of a State that can guarantee peace and security for its citizens.
See too: Thomas Hobbes.
Locke and freedom based on laws
Contractarian John Locke (1632-1704) refuted Hobbes' theory of a constant state of war. For him, there is no state of war, but human beings are naturally selfish and that selfishness leads to disputes of interests.
Locke is known as the "father of liberalism. He stated that human beings have a natural right to property and the state must act as a guarantor of this right.
To resolve disputes generated by rival interests, there must be a mediating power to which everyone must be submitted.
The social contract represents the acceptance and validation of the State's mediating power in its capacity to guarantee freedom and the right to property based on laws.
Find out more at: John Locke.
Rousseau and the common good
Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) is a contractualist who has a very different view from his predecessors. Rousseau argued that the state of nature was a peaceful period and that human beings are naturally good.
According to him, the human being would be a "good savage". In their natural state, human beings would live in harmony with each other and with nature, as do other animals.
However, the emergence of private property has generated inequality between individuals and, consequently, an environment of tension between landowners and non-owners.
To solve this problem, the social contract is signed so that the State can guarantee the maintenance of the right to property and the regulation of the entire society.
Thus, the State appears as a tool at the service of citizens with the objective of respecting the general will and restraining action for particular interests.
To learn more, read: Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
General definitions of contractualism and the emergence of civil society
Despite the distinctions between contractualist theories, some common points can be defined:
- Human beings in a state of nature are understood to be free and equal.
- Some factors lead individuals to abandon natural freedom and sign the social contract.
- The social contract gives rise to society.
- In the social contract, natural freedom is replaced by civil freedom.
- The emergence of the State subjects individuals to a greater power that manifests itself through laws.
- Laws represent the social order, impose limits on individuals who aim to regulate social interactions.
Interested? Read too:
- Social contract
- The State of Nature in Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau
- Liberalism
Bibliographic references
Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan.
John Locke, Essay Concerning Human Understanding.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau, From the Social Contract.
