Which philosopher is associated with The Social Contract?

Which philosopher is associated with The Social Contract?

• A. Leviathan
• B. The Prince
• C. The Social Contract
• D. The Second Treatise

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is who is linked to the concept of the social contract and its view of political authority. Jean-Jacques Rousseau is the philosopher associated with The Social Contract, a work that argues legitimate political authority comes from a contract among the people and is grounded in the general will and popular sovereignty. This distinguishes it from other famous works: Leviathan, by Thomas Hobbes, presents an absolute sovereign to avoid the chaos of the state of nature; The Prince, by Niccolò Machiavelli, is a guide to political power and realpolitik; and The Second Treatise of Government, by John Locke, emphasizes government by consent and the protection of natural rights.

The idea being tested is who is linked to the concept of the social contract and its view of political authority. Jean-Jacques Rousseau is the philosopher associated with The Social Contract, a work that argues legitimate political authority comes from a contract among the people and is grounded in the general will and popular sovereignty. This distinguishes it from other famous works: Leviathan, by Thomas Hobbes, presents an absolute sovereign to avoid the chaos of the state of nature; The Prince, by Niccolò Machiavelli, is a guide to political power and realpolitik; and The Second Treatise of Government, by John Locke, emphasizes government by consent and the protection of natural rights.