How Social Contract Theory Became State Apologetics – OpEd - Eurasia Review
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Social contract theory was born as a tool of rebellion — so how did governments hijack it to justify their own power instead?
Social Contract TheoryPolitical LegitimacyConsent of the GovernedClassical Liberalism
Theory Briefing
- Jefferson borrowed Locke's social contract theory to challenge British rule, framing it as a weapon against state overreach.
- Over time, the same theory shifted from justifying revolution to legitimizing existing governments and demanding citizen compliance.
- The op-ed argues social contract theory has been co-opted as state apologetics, inverting its original liberatory intent.