social contract
English meaning: Social Contract
Definition
The implicit agreement among members of society to cooperate for social benefits, giving up certain freedoms.
Example
“According to social contract theory, citizens give up some freedoms in exchange for the protection of the state.”
Another example: “Many felt the government had broken the social contract by cutting the services they paid taxes for.”
Usage — When, Where & How
A formal term in political philosophy for the idea that people accept some rules and authority in return for social order and protection; associated with Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
Developed by Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau in 17th–18th century political philosophy
Synonyms
- social compact
- social covenant
- social agreement
Related Words
- rousseau
- locke
- hobbes
- consent
- governance
- natural law
Common Collocations
- the social contract
- break the social contract
- social contract theory
- renew the social contract
Word Forms
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Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“The one great principle of the English law is to make business for itself.”
“The one great principle of the English law is to make business for itself.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B