Hobbes vs. Locke vs. Rousseau - Social Contract Theories Compared

Here we look at the Social Contract theories of Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Social Contract theories look at what the relationship between people and their government should be. Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau base this on their views on life in the state of nature. Is it nasty, brutish, and short like Hobbes believed? Or are people born with a Tablua Rasa as envisioned by John Locke and therefore, the social contract should aim to protect people's life, liberty, and property. Rousseau, on the other hand felt that people are born good, but society corrupts - so if you strip away society, people can live collectively in harmony, as envisioned in his social contract theory.

Sources:

Noesgaard, D., Yoshida, D., Colless, R., Phui, L., & Fielding, J. (2010). Understandings of ideologies. Don Mills, ON: Oxford University Press.

Image sources:​

Speed Limit, Photo by Joshua Hoehne on Unsplash ​

Library, Photo by j zamora on Unsplash​

[KorczyksClass]

More of my Global Politics videos here!

As you can probably see, the views of all three philosophers are seen in the different ideologies we have around the world. Which philosopher's view of the social contract best reflects what we see in the world?

[itscazzy]

This 7 minute video was way more helpful than the 10 pages in my textbook about the same topic. Subbed, thanks for helping me get through my POL 101 course, hahah.

[bruuh]

I’m shocked that you don’t have 50k+ subscribers. Exceptionally useful topics, eloquent delivery. Wishing you all the best !

[sues]

Thank you for not including your own personal opinions in this video. I have not used others in my homeschool because they throw in their personal views. I truly appreciate that you only presented the theories of these individuals and then let the student critically think about them. Well done.

[Ranggalih]

Most underrated channel on YouTube. I found your videos easy to understand, effective texts, simple, straightforward, and you seem very enthusiastic. Subbed!

[alexanderlimjr.]

You look like Tom holland but 10 yrs older btw nc vid

[hakimonn]

I'm studying law. And one of the classes i take is General Public Law. Social Contract is one of the subjects of it. This was a really helpful summary on the topic actually. I would like to thank you. I will take the exam next week. Hopefully i'll pass. I'll try to update if possible. 🤗

[estherokiki]

Thank you so much for this video. I've always had difficulties understanding the Jean-Jacques Rousseau's part on the social contract theory, but with this video, I understand better. I wish I found this video 3 years ago🙂

[isaccomati]

Solid video my guy! Tried to find info on the social contract and political ideologies. Came into your video thinking I wouldn't like it but it was very well presented and informative. Keep it up.

[amaltdavid]

Very well explained. Simple, but without missing the core. Also made us to reflect upon the current political situations happening in the world. 👏👏
Liked and subscribed☺️

[mo-]

Very great presentation with no judgment or today's politically correct spin.

Just a discussion of the ideas. Very very appreciated.

[ndmaleia]

Thank you very much, i'm a french student and I was sooo confused between Rousseau and Hobbes now it's way clearer even though Rousseau is still causing some problems in my head lol
Have a exam tomorrow so thank you again!!

[kotlarattila]

Just started studying diplomacy. This was superbly helpful! Love the 60-second videos as well. Keep up the good work!

[sanjanadesitti]

Just finished the video and thank you I've been struggling the whole day to understand this concept. Can you do more videos on western political thought?

[AverageChessBro]

Very helpful for my Venn diagram assignment where I have to compare three philosophers from the enlightenment period, thank you!

[caessar_mando]

Excellent explanation, thank you sir. Subscribing at this very moment.

[mochabrew]

thanks for the info! nice way to clear things up the night before an exam

[alanaparker]

This video was a life-saver for my sociology class. Thank you!

[julia_m_diaz]

Amazing! You just saved my life after getting behind in my readings due to a stressful week. My philosophy professor will be pleased with my assignment 😄 thank you.

[katharinamaria]

Great summary to revise before the exam!! And also really interesting. Thank you for this video :)