What is Locke's definition of social contract theory?

Locke's definition of social contract theory centers on the notion that individuals possess natural rights to life, liberty, and property. According to him, the primary purpose of government is to protect these rights. When a government fails to uphold this responsibility or violates these natural rights, Locke argues that the people are justified in overthrowing that government. This idea emphasizes the contract between the governed and their rulers, where the authority of the government is contingent upon its ability to protect the rights of its citizens. If these rights are threatened, the social contract allows for resistance and the establishment of a new government that will honor and protect those rights.

Other interpretations of social contracts in the context of different philosophers, such as Hobbes, suggest a more authoritarian approach, where people surrender their freedoms for security or where governments derive authority from divine right. However, Locke’s perspective is distinct because it prioritizes individual rights and the accountability of governments to the people.