Did the people still have some power in the Social Contract Theory? Or did they surrender ALL of their power?

Answer 1

Hi Madison!

The answer to your question depends on what brand of social contract theory you're studying. John Locke, for instance, would say that you don't surrender all of your power, and that there are certain inalienable rights (such as the right to property) that the state cannot infringe upon. Rousseau, on the other hand, would say that the laws of the state are only just when its consistent with the general will of the people. Thomas Hobbes, the originator of social contract theory, claimed that the need for common security trumps all else, and the state may have complete power over the people. Contrary to popular belief, Hobbes never argued for totalitarianism, but he did suggest that it would be unjust to rise up against a totalitarian state, since the anarchist alternative would be far worse than any tyranny.

I hope this was helpful! Feel free to reach out to if you would like to schedule a session to talk about this further!