Introduction
The protection of civil liberties is essential for the establishment and maintenance of a just society. These liberties and freedoms, which include freedom of speech, the right to privacy, due process, and a fair trial, give citizens autonomy and safeguard them from oppressive government control. Furthermore, citizens should be allowed to practice their religion, form associations, and participate in an open and accessible political process. Finally, a society that values justice and equality should guarantee equal protection under the law and equal access to education, healthcare, and other public services. As such, the rights and freedoms of citizens are integral to creating and sustaining a society that values justice, equality, and freedom of expression.
The Social Contract Theory
Social contract theory is a political philosophy proposing that people come together and consent to form a society founded on cooperation. This agreement, known as the social contract, outlines rules and principles regulating the relationship between individuals or groups and their responsibilities. Thomas Hobbes proposed a social contract theory based on the idea that individuals unite into a collective to protect themselves from the risks of the natural state. He argued that to escape the state of nature and its concomitant dangers. Individuals must agree to sacrifice certain liberties and privileges in exchange for safety and security (Grayling, 2019). Furthermore, Hobbes asserted that a powerful, centralized government is essential to upholding the social contract and preserving order.
John Locke’s social contract theory, formulated in the 17th century, is based on natural rights. Locke believed that individuals, as creatures of nature, possess inalienable rights to life, liberty, and property, which the state must respect and safeguard (Zaharia & Cibuc, 2022). To receive the benefits and protections associated with a social contract, Locke suggested that individuals must relinquish a portion of their natural rights.
Karl Marx’s social contract theory is premised on class struggle. He posited that the dominant class’s oppression by the working class is a product of the disparity in access to the means of production (Zaharia & Cibuc, 2022). He advocated for establishing a social contract that would protect the rights of the working class and prevent their exploitation.
John Stuart Mill’s theory of the social contract is grounded in utilitarianism. He proposed that a social contract should be established to maximize the collective utility of society as a whole. Mill argued that individuals should have the freedom to pursue their interests and desires so long as they do not infringe upon the rights of others. Similarly, John Rawls’s theory of the social contract is centered on the concept of justice as fairness. He asserted that a social contract should be formed to ensure that all individuals have equal rights and opportunities and to promote the well-being of the least advantaged members of society (Kanatli, 2021). He maintained that a social contract should be based on principles of fairness and justice.
The Role of Rights and Freedoms
Social contracts, which refer to agreements between individuals and the state that determine the responsibilities of both parties, embed the concept of rights and freedoms (Grayling, 2019). These contracts guarantee that citizens can pursue their interests while safeguarding the state’s ability to protect the population and deliver essential services.
Rights and freedoms constitute a fundamental component of any social contract, as they offer individuals a range of liberties to pursue their interests and provide the state with the means to protect them from harm (Weale, 2020). A range of rights and freedoms have been established, including the right to freedom of expression, the right to privacy, the right to freedom of assembly, the right to own private property, the right to a fair trial, and the right to education.
The notion of social contracts is associated with the concept of natural rights, which are understood to be inalienable entitlements of all human beings not bestowed by any governing body or other entity (Zaharia & Cibuc, 2022). These natural rights encompass such prerogatives as the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
The importance of rights and freedoms in modern democracies cannot be overstated. These rights and freedoms are essential for citizens to pursue their interests and be protected from harm. To ensure these rights are respected and protected, many nations have adopted international instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which outlines the fundamental rights and freedoms all individuals should have access to (Grayling, 2019). These instruments remind governments that they are responsible for acknowledging and safeguarding their citizens’ rights.
Rights and freedoms are essential for establishing and maintaining a just and equitable society. They allow individuals to pursue their interests while simultaneously providing the state with the capacity to protect citizens and deliver essential services (Zaharia & Cibuc, 2022). As a result, governments must recognize and safeguard the rights of their citizens.
The Theory of Society of Aristotle
Aristotle, a renowned ancient Greek philosopher and one of the key figures of Western philosophy, developed the Theory of Society. This early ideological framework sought to elucidate the emergence of the state and the structure of human societies. As such, it has had a lasting impact on political and social thought.
Aristotle posited that humans had an innate inclination to live in society, which was essential for attaining their full potential. He contended that the state was the most suitable structure for the regulation of social life and that it should be grounded in justice and designed to serve the collective good (Pike, 2019). He also held that the state should be composed of distinct classes, each tasked with specific duties and obligations.
Aristotle’s theory of society parallels the Social Contract theorists such as Thomas Hobbes and John Locke. Both Aristotle and the Social Contract theorists maintained that humans innately desire to live in societies and that the state should be structured in a manner conducive to the overall well-being of the populace (Weale, 2020). Nevertheless, Aristotle’s theory diverges from that of the Social Contract theorists in that Aristotle proposed a stratified society in which different classes are endowed with particular roles and privileges.
In contrast, the Social Contract theorists advocated for an egalitarian system wherein all citizens have equal rights and obligations. Aristotle’s Theory of Society is an influential contribution to the development of Western political thought, as it has provided the basis for many of the still-relevant ideas (Pike, 2019). Its enduring influence is evidenced in how it has shaped modern political thought.
Arguments For and Against the Social Contract
Proponents of Social Contract Theory argue that it is a cornerstone of a stable and peaceful society. By providing a framework in which individuals can cooperate to protect their rights and pursue their interests, Social Contract Theory serves as a necessary and beneficial agreement between citizens (Kanatli, 2021). This agreement enables the establishment of laws and regulations that protect citizens and ensure the functioning of a safe and just society. It also provides a basis for a democratic society where all citizens have a voice in governing their society.
Critics of the social contract theory have raised several objections to its implementation. These include the potential for oppressive and limiting structures, the concentration of power in the hands of the government, and the potential for the subjugation of minority groups. Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding the potential for social contracts to control and limit individual freedoms (Weale, 2020). These arguments suggest that the social contract theory can undermine the autonomy of individuals and limit their rights.
Conclusion
In conclusion, protecting civil liberties is essential for establishing and maintaining a just society. Social Contract Theory, a political philosophy that proposes individuals agree to construct a society based on cooperation, is integral to this protection. Rights and freedoms provide individuals with various liberties to pursue their interests and are fundamental to any Social Contract.
Supporters of Social Contract Theory claim it is a cornerstone of a stable and peaceful society, while critics have raised several objections to its implementation. It is evident that civil liberties and social contracts are essential elements of a just and equitable society and should thus be respected and protected by governments. Therefore, protecting civil liberties and establishing social contracts are indispensable to creating a society that appreciates equality, justice, and freedom of expression.
References
Grayling, A. C. (2019). The history of philosophy. Penguin UK.
Kanatli, M. (2021). Private Property, Freedom, and Order: Social Contract Theories from Hobbes to Rawls. Taylor & Francis.
Pike, J. E. (2019). From Aristotle to Marx: Aristotelianism in Marxist Social Ontology. Routledge.
Weale, A. (2020). Modern social contract theory. Oxford University Press.
Zaharia, V., & Cibuc, L. (2022). Comparative Study of Fundamental Human Rights and Freedoms. Economy Transdisciplinarity Cognition, 25(2), 86-97.