Hobbesian Contractarianism

Hobbesian Contractarianism is a theory that explains how moral rules and social order come about through a mutual agreement among individuals. Imagine people in a state of nature—without rules—facing chaos and danger. To escape this, they agree to follow certain rules and establish a government or authority that enforces them. This social contract creates peace, security, and cooperation, benefiting everyone. Philosopher Thomas Hobbes believed that such a contract is necessary because human interests often conflict, and only by collectively agreeing to rules can society be stable and safe.