What is the primary notion behind social contract theory?

The primary notion behind social contract theory revolves around the concept that individuals possess free will and the right to self-determination. This theory posits that governments derive their legitimacy from the consent of the governed. In essence, individuals agree to form societies and abide by certain rules in exchange for protection of their rights and maintenance of order. The individuals recognize their autonomy and the ability they have to choose how they want to be governed, envisioning a mutual agreement that underlies the relationship between citizens and the government.

Social contract theorists like Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau elaborated on how social contracts come into play during the formation of societies and political systems. They highlighted that individuals, while relinquishing some freedoms, engage in a collective agreement (the contract) that prioritizes their rights and enables them to coexist peacefully within a structured environment. This framework emphasizes the foundation of democratic governance and civil rights, where the authority of the government is rooted in the free will of its citizens.