What does the term "social contract" imply in society?

The term "social contract" refers to an implicit agreement among members of a society to cooperate for social benefits. This concept suggests that individuals consent, either explicitly or implicitly, to surrender some of their freedoms and submit to the authority of the state or an organized society in exchange for protection of their remaining rights. The essence of the social contract is centered on mutual benefit and the idea that individuals enter into a collective agreement to form the basis of social order and governance.

This implies a reciprocal relationship where citizens agree to abide by certain rules and laws in return for the provision of safety, social services, and infrastructure by the governing body. This foundational idea has been explored by various philosophers, including Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, each interpreting the social contract in their own way with different implications for the rights and obligations of individuals and the state.

Other choices do not capture the core meaning of the social contract. Ignoring social norms does not align with the concept of a mutual agreement for societal cooperation. A written document outlining laws might be a formalized approach to governance but doesn't encompass the broader, more philosophical nature of the social contract in terms of mutual consent and societal benefit. Additionally, a formal treaty between organizations implies external agreements