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Rhetorical Function Of Social Contract And Popular Sovereignty

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LAWS 2501 Essay

What are the rhetorical functions of social contract and popular sovereignty?

The rhetorical functions of social contract and popular sovereignty are for the protection of property and social order through the general will. Consent constructs social contract and popular sovereignty and with the consent comes the protection of ones life, liberty, and property. Thus, establishing social order. In the beginning, people existed in the world as individuals. However, as men started interacting with each other it was needed for a set of guides for their own protection, which created the idea of the general will. General will in this case is the mutual agreement to give up their rights in the state of nature in order for the protection of their life, liberty, and property. In conclusion, the function of the social contract and popular sovereignty is for the self-preservation of men.

To Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau, social contract is different in three aspects; the nature of men, …show more content…

(cite here) Thus, in life of state of nature is solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short. (cite here) Locke and Rousseau believed that in the state of nature, men are reasonably good. State of nature is a state of peace, goodwill, mutual assistance, and preservation. (19) That all are equal and independent, no one harming another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions. (6) The view of men and the starting point for Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau are respectfully different.

Similarly, difference can also be seen in their reason for the state or a natural judge. Hobbes states that without the subjection to a common power, men are in a state of war due to their selfish human nature. However, for Locke and Rousseau, the state exists for the preservation and protection of the natural rights of its

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