Which document established the principle of a social contract in political philosophy?

Study for the Praxis Social Studies: Content Knowledge (5081) Exam. Prepare with diverse question formats and detailed explanations. Ace your test with confidence!

The principle of a social contract in political philosophy is primarily established in Thomas Hobbes' work "The Leviathan." In this seminal text, Hobbes articulates the idea that individuals consent, either explicitly or implicitly, to surrender certain freedoms and submit to the authority of a sovereign in exchange for security and order. He posits that in the absence of such an agreement, society would fall into a chaotic state of nature characterized by conflict and insecurity.

Hobbes' argument significantly influenced later thinkers, including John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who expanded and modified the concept of the social contract to suit their own philosophies. This concept is foundational in discussions about the legitimate authority of governments and the rights of individuals within a society.

In contrast, while the Magna Carta is an important document in establishing the rule of law and limiting the power of the monarchy, it does not explicitly establish the social contract concept. The Declaration of Independence outlines the philosophical justifications for independence from Britain and emphasizes individual rights but does not delve deeply into the theoretical framework of social contract theory as articulated by Hobbes. The Twelve Tables of Rome, being one of the earliest sets of written laws in ancient Rome, focuses more on legal structure than on political theory or the notion of

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