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Exam 8: The Just Society

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Question 1

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Social contract theory is the view that justice is secured, and the state is made legitimate, through an agreement among citizens of the state or between the citizens and the rulers of the state.

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B) False

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Question 2

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What are social contract theories? How do they differ from autocratic theories like the divine right of kings?

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Social contract theories are a type of political theory that seeks to explain the origins and legitimacy of government authority. These theories propose that individuals in a society agree to give up some of their freedoms and submit to the authority of a government in exchange for protection of their remaining rights and freedoms. This agreement is often seen as a hypothetical or implicit contract between the governed and the government. One of the most famous proponents of the social contract theory is philosopher Thomas Hobbes, who argued that without a government to enforce laws and protect citizens, life would be "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short." Other influential thinkers in this tradition include John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. In contrast, autocratic theories like the divine right of kings assert that a ruler's authority comes from a higher power, such as a deity, and is not based on any agreement or consent from the governed. According to the divine right of kings, monarchs are chosen and empowered by God, and their authority is absolute and not subject to challenge by the people. The key difference between social contract theories and autocratic theories like the divine right of kings is the source of political authority. Social contract theories argue that government authority is derived from the consent of the governed, while autocratic theories assert that rulers derive their authority from a higher power, such as a deity. This fundamental difference has significant implications for the legitimacy of government authority and the rights of individuals within a society.

Question 3

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_______ is a form of liberalism, the aim of which is to preserve individual liberties while ensuring the general welfare of the citizenry.

Locke's ideas heavily influenced the framers of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

Locke argues that the people should not be the judge of when revolution is warranted.

The difference between classical liberalism and welfare liberalism is that only classical liberalism is compatible with private property.

In a socialist system, wealth is controlled by the state, which allocates it for the good of the people generally.

According to Rawls, all social values (opportunity, liberty, income, wealth, etc.) are to be distributed equally unless an unequal distribution is

One common criticism of socialism is that

A system of rule by those most qualified to govern is known as a(n)

For Locke, to be in the state of nature is to be in a "war of all against all."

Locke asserts the right to rebel against a government that misuses its power.

For his republic, Plato envisions an aristocracy-not an aristocracy of the rich, landed, or well born, but of the intellectual.

Locke thinks that the majority has the right to rescind the rights of the minority.

Which of these political theories do you think is most plausible- libertarianism, welfare liberalism, or socialism? Explain.

Briefly explain why Plato is in favor of a meritocracy. What do you make of his claims? What would be some possible advantages and disadvantages of a meritocracy?

According to Hobbes, the definition of injustice is

Which theory of justice do you think is better- classical liberalism or welfare liberalism? Explain.

Do you agree with Hobbes's view of human nature? Is self-interest the only motivation that people have in their dealings with one another? Why or why not?

According to Locke, a man in the state of nature will relinquish his absolute freedom to the state because