Political philosophyLesson 2 of 4 in the course Political Ideology

Social Contract, Trade, and Civic Community in Hobbes, Locke, Smith, and Rousseau

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

This lesson introduces the shift from religious foundations of political authority toward arguments based on human reason. It then explains Thomas Hobbes’s account of natural laws, the state of nature, and the social contract.

For centuries, many European governments justified their rule by promoting and defending Christianity. Early Christian thinkers often argued that political order should rest on scripture rather than on human reasoning alone. Tertullian (155–220 CE), for example, maintained that divine revelation should take precedence over human insight. This approach strongly influenced Western political thought into the early seventeenth century.

All flashcards

Hobbes’s laws of nature
Rules that reason identifies as conducive to peace and safety.
Hobbes’s social contract
An agreement among individuals to authorize a powerful government to maintain peace.
Locke’s natural rights
Rights grounded in natural law, such as the right to life, which create duties for others.
Smith’s case for free trade
Reducing trade barriers allows countries to specialize and exchange goods, potentially increasing national wealth.
Rousseau’s civil religion
Shared civic sentiment intended to foster political belonging and respect for religious differences.

Quiz questions

  1. How does Locke’s account of natural law differ from Hobbes’s account in these notes?Answer: It applies as moral law even when no government enforces it.
  2. According to Locke, when is acquiring property through labor legitimate?Answer: When the appropriation does not harm others’ ability to live and prosper.
  3. What is the main purpose of government in Locke’s social contract?Answer: To protect natural rights, property, and personal freedom.
  4. Why did Adam Smith favor reducing barriers to international trade?Answer: Countries could specialize in goods they produce advantageously and trade for others.
  5. What does Rousseau mean by the general will?Answer: The common good of everyone in the political community.

Based on Introduction to Political Science by Mark Carl Rom, Masaki Hidaka, Rachel Bzostek Walker (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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