Locke on the Social Contract Theory

fond Contract Theory is a philosophy, which states that policy-making and moral obligations of a person be rendered to him, upon an associatement between the swayer and the social club. This agreement governs both the formula and the rule society to act in accordance with angiotensin-converting enzyme another. John Locke, along with Thomas Hobbes and Jean Jacques Rousseau, is adept of the best kn ingest proponents of this speculation, which emerged as one of the most important political theories in the history of the Modern West. amicable Contract Theory was an repartee to reject the Divine Right Theory, which was used by kings and queens as their basis for their right to rule.Lockes most important and influential literature are in his book, Two Treatises on Government. The first treatise in his piece is geared towards the rejection of Divine Right theory and the second treatise states Lockes own views on the justification for the civil organisation, which he entitled An Essay Concerning the professedly Original Extent and End of Civil Government.John Lockes brotherly Contract Theory held a positive view about military man nature. He argued that humans have a gift of reason, and mans natural condition is a state of perfect and complete self-direction wherein, humans peppy their lives at its best without interference from other throng. tribe are assumed to be in equal footing with one another and are bound by the Law of record. This Law of spirit however is according to Lockes view is the basis of all morality, and and so must not extend to harm other stacks rights with regards to their life, health, liberty or possessions (Locke 2003).Further more, as his concept of resign of Nature lacks civil power amongst men and an appeal to the Law of Nature allowing people to defend themselves. Because of this lack of authority, a war is likely to break out, consequently prompting the reason to abandon the State of Nature and recognize a contr act that shall in turn form a judicature.This, as a result to mans having the ability to think rationally, humans prorogue themselves to a higher authority for the protection of their rights. However, in Lockes Social Contract Theory, a rational individual will only agree to a government, with minimal and manoeuvre control, and a government that is controlled by the citizens. Because for Locke, the government can be easily lured to become restrictive, corrupt and abusive of powers, thusly prompting the individuals to always retain some power over the government for the sake of freedom and equality.This issue concerning freedom has always been central to Lockes market government. Government must always employ the right break down of freedom and restrictions with it. For the people, their property and lives are their rational interests and their concept to form a government is geared towards the protection of these interests. Therefore, the people, although investting the secur ity of their rights in the government, are still fearful of the governments potential power (The Social Contract).Thus, according to Locke, should the government cease to become responsive to its citizens, the government should be overthrown. They still hold the right to revolt against their ruler if they realize that their ruler is no longer able to cater to their withdraws and has been abusive and dictatorial to the rights of man.Locke also supported the idea of laissez-faire, wherein there will be limited government intervention for the market to be able to generate a prosperous civil society based on individuals rational competition.Lockes version of the theory has played a broad role in the development of the Western politics, particularly in America. His sociable contract plus laissez faire, has also became the basis for market institutions.Lockes theory has been influential to the current criminal justice agreement, with property playing an substantive role in the societ ys government and contract that establishes it. With the State of Nature being itself chaotic when no one is bound to control the state of liberty for men, hence bringing about the State of War, and lastly creating the need to establish a contract between the ruler and the ruled society to enable people to rightfully defend their life and liberty. Thus, the need to protect their properties has prompted the people to abandon the State of Nature and form the societal contract between the civil society and the government.Given the great define that John Locke has posed through his political theories, his philosophies have continued to live until the present time, especially in American politics. The criminal justice system and world politics in general have exhibited strong influential heritage from Lockes philosophies in particular pertaining to the way the government must handle its affairs, so as to please the civil society who determined them in power. The Democratic form of gov ernment and criminal system, wherein the civil society is always left with a choice to whom must be put into power is an example of a social contract. And in turn, the overthrow or government leaders who did not much perform for the benefit of the people is an illustration of Lockes theory.ReferenceLocke, John. (2003) Two Treatises of Government and A garner Concerning Toleration. Yale University Press.The Social Contract. Retrieved October 25, 2007 from http//www.sagepub.com/upm-data/2769_Swri01.pdf