Definitions from the Web
Social Contract
A social contract refers to a theoretical agreement among individuals or groups that outlines the rights, responsibilities, and behavior expected from each member within a society.
Meaning
- Political Sense: In political philosophy, the social contract theory posits that individuals willingly give up certain freedoms and rights in exchange for the protection and benefits provided by a governing authority.
- General Sense: In a broader context, a social contract can represent an unwritten agreement or understanding about acceptable norms, customs, and interpersonal relationships existing within a specific community or group.
Examples
Political Sense:
- The concept of the social contract formed the foundation of Jean-Jacques Rousseau's writings on political philosophy.
- According to the social contract theory, citizens consent to being governed in order to maintain social order and benefit from collective resources.
General Sense:
- In a classroom, students and teachers have an unspoken social contract that implies respect, active participation, and the pursuit of knowledge.
- Within a close-knit neighborhood, a social contract may include mutual assistance, maintaining clean surroundings, and looking out for one another's safety.
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