Nathanaël Colin-Jaeger
Postdoctoral Researcher in Political Philosophy
American University of Paris
Abstract: This document provides a detailed exploration of social contract theories, tracing their evolution from classical foundations to contemporary developments. It begins with the seminal works of Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, and Kant, whose theories defined the initial frameworks for understanding political legitimacy and societal organization. The overview highlights the revival of social contract theory in the 20th century, primarily through the influential work of John Rawls, whose A Theory of Justice redefined the field by introducing principles of fairness and the concept of the "original position." Subsequent sections examine how Rawlsian theories were extended and critiqued, leading to new categories, such as justice as mutual advantage and justice as impartiality.
The document also addresses pivotal critiques from feminist and critical race theorists, such as Carol Pateman and Charles Mills, who challenge the universalist pretensions of traditional social contract theories by exposing their implicit biases and historical exclusions. Additionally, it explores evolutionary approaches and game-theoretic models, particularly the contributions of Ken Binmore and Brian Skyrms, which explain the emergence and stability of social norms and agreements over time.
The analysis underscores persistent challenges in social contract theory, including the tension between normative justifications and empirical stability, the integration of deep societal diversity, and the need for adaptive frameworks that account for continuous societal transformation. The study concludes by proposing directions for future research, emphasizing the necessity of resilient and inclusive social contracts capable of navigating the complexities of modern societies.
Keywords: Social contract, political philosophy, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Kant, Rawls, justice, legitimacy, fairness, feminism, critical race theory, evolutionary theory, game theory, societal transformation, structural injustice, diversity, climate change, European Union, supranational governance
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