Émile Durkheim (in social contract theory context)

Émile Durkheim was a foundational sociologist who examined how societies maintain order and cohesion. In the context of social contract theory, which explores the implicit agreements that form societies, Durkheim emphasized the importance of collective conscience—the shared beliefs and values that bind individuals together. He argued that social norms and institutions arise from this collective agreement, creating social solidarity. Unlike other theorists who focus on individual rationality, Durkheim highlighted how society shapes individuals' behaviors and interactions, suggesting that our social contracts are rooted in a shared moral framework rather than just mutual self-interest.