Social Contract Theory

 Political Theory and Political Science

 

Political Science is an independent subject whereas political theory is branch of it.

Political theory is the department of political science.

It means that a political theorist collects material about various political institutions and political events, analyses the same and draw some conclusions.

Difference in the subject matter:

In comparison of political theory, the scope of political science is much wider. Political science includes political theory, political philosophy, political thought, politics. The study of all these comes under political science.

Political theory makes political science, a science. Science is a systematic body of knowledge based on reason and evidence.

Difference in their method of study:

Political science is normative and empirical. The supporters: Traditional view.

Political Theory: Ancient political theorists are more concerned about future.

Political science has many branches, whereas political theory has more

Poltical science is institutional study whereas political theory is conceptual study

The study of political theory is analytical, whereas the study of political science is explanatory.

Theory building is the field of political theory, not of political science.

 

Social Contract Theory

 

Hobbes	"The state of nature is the state of war, a war of all against all. A state in which nothing could be unjust and force and fraud were the cardinal virtues. I authorise and give up my right of governing myself to this assembly of men, on this condition that thou also give up thy right to him and authorise all his actions in like manner.   Hobbes: State of nature under such circumstances there was no place for mutual co-operation, love, harmony, culture, intellect and reason etc. rather life was based on insecurity, lack of faith, hatred, deceit and violence etc.   Hobbes: In the state of nature the life of man was solitary, poor, brutish and short.   Characteristics Criticism Importance Characteristics of Hobbes Social Contract Sovereign is not a party to the contract Supremacy of sovereign The people have no right against sovereign The contract is irrevocable Permanent surrender of all rights except 'Right to self defence' The liberty of individual was dependent upon the will of sovereign Irresponsibility of the sovereign Absolute sovereignty Criticism of Hobbes Theory A contract requires two parties Wrong view of Human Nature Contract is not possible without two parties Hypothetical theory Individual and society cannot be separated Undemocratic theory Encourages absolutism The people living in the State of Nature cannot become wise overnight No mention of distinction between State and Government No place of individual liberty There is no importance to political sovereignty This theory is unhistorical Rights cannot exist without 'State' Man cannot be prior to society No mention of political sovereignty Importance of Hobbes Theory   Before this, there was Divine Theory Sorry 'State of Nature', so 'Absolute Power Civil wars Idea of legal sovereignty Rights and Laws approved by the State State is man made institution Encourages supremacy of people
John Locke	A state of peace, liberty, equality, mutual assistance and preservation. 1st: Among people 2nd: Governmental contract   Glorious revolution In England Two Treatise of Government   State of Nature Peaceful and Happy Sympathy Enjoy right to life, liberty and property   "State of peace, goodwill, mutual assistance and preservation."   There were two contracts: People and Govt. Main Characteristics State of Nature pre-political Nature of law vague Two Contracts Sovereign included in the contracts All Natural rights not surrendered Right to oppose law Govt only a trustee Concept of Political Sovereignty Relation between people and sovereign Political Sovereignty Difference between State and Government Ruler to enact laws   Difficulties Lack of estb and settled laws Impartial judges Executive powers to enforce decisions   Relation between Ruler and Ruled Party to contract Power of Ruler were limited Protect rights and liberties According to wish of people Free to oppose Can change ruler Criticism Unhistorical Theory Rights can only be enjoyed in State People cannot be given right to disobey law Difference between 'society' and 'state' Encourages rebellion Law not above state Importance Importance of rights Distinction between State and Govt Right to oppose Govt Oppose Absolutism Right to change Govt.
Rousseau	Rousseau   Nobel savage General will: Collective will, Real will Man is selfish by nature.   Each one of us put his person and all his power to common use under the supreme direction of the general will and in our corporate capacity, we receive each member as indivisible part of whole. Each one is giving  himself up to all, gives himself up to no one.     Rousseau   Golden period Social contract Soon man become selfish: mine/thine Property and competition   Characteristics State of Nature was Golden Age Every individual was party to Contract General Will, sum total of Real Wills of people Ruler, responsible before General Will Popular Sovereignty Relation   Supreme, Answerable People obey 'General Will' Democracy Criticism   Hypothetical Concept of General Will is in vague Encourage Absolutism Limits power of Govt Abstract and vague theory The State of Nature is 'Imaginary' Only executive function of Govt Importance of Rousseau Theory   Concept of popular sovereignty People's will is created by State Law is the expression of General Will Rejected Absolutism Helpful in practical politics Law represent the will of people
Rousseau General Will	Rousseau's General Will Characteristics of General Will Criticism Importance of General Will General Will: Sum total of the organisation or the synthesis of will of individuals comprising the society. General Will, Actual Will It is not necessary that 'General Will' is 'Majority Will' General Will is the sum total of wills of people It aims at Common Good It is always correct: In fact the voice of God It is always supreme It is rational and based on morality It is always permanent General Will is indivisible and inalienable It is not essential for General Will to be will of all General Will is sovereign General Will can never be wrong General Will is the will of majority General Will is rational and morally superior It is vague Will cannot be divided into two parts It encourages Absolutism It is difficult to define common interests No importance to the individual It is unhistorical Difficult to define to define General Will It is impracticable There are numerous instincts of Human Being Encourages absolutism Popular sovereignty Unlimited power or absolutism has been opposed Attempt to popularise direct democracy Sacrifice minorities interest
Criticism of Social Contract Theory	Historical Grounds Legal Grounds Philosophical  Logical Grounds Dangerous Theory Importance Historical Theory No historical proof of this theory Man was not individualist This theory is against course of History Units of Society was not individual but family Primitive man never lived alone People never entered into such a contract State of Nature had never existed Contract only to parties to the contract A contract must have a superior sanction behind it A single-party cannot enter into a contract The terms of the contract binds only to the parties of the contract No contract is possible in the State of Anarchy Laws and Rights can be possible only in State Contract is not possible without State Two parties are essential for contract -State is not an artificial institution State is not a toy State is essential for everyone How everything became legal after a contract From the philosophical POV it is a dangerous theory State membership is not optional Abrupts change in human Nature is not possible Freedom and Rights are not possible in State of Nature Aim of State is not limited Contract don't make everything unnatural Liberty and Rights are not possible in State of Nature Social Contract was not possible in 'State of Nature' It gives the individual the right to end the State It encourages Absolutism It encourages Rebellion People's consent is the basis of State Puts an end on the Divine theory of King Importance of the theory of Natural Rights Difference between State and Governement Importance of this Theory in practical life Doctrine of Natural Rights Social Instincts Blood relations Magic Religion Force Economic Welfare Political Conscience