What is a social contract?

A social contract is a philosophical concept that refers to an implicit agreement among individuals to form a society and accept certain moral and political obligations in exchange for the benefits of collective governance and social order. It embodies the idea that individuals consent, either explicitly or implicitly, to surrender some of their freedoms and submit to the authority of a ruler or government in exchange for protection of their remaining rights. This concept is foundational in political philosophy and helps explain the legitimacy of governmental authority.

The choice highlighting "an agreement to follow laws for societal benefit" captures the essence of the social contract, as it emphasizes the relationship between individuals and their responsibilities towards society as a whole. Through this agreement, individuals agree to abide by the laws and regulations established for the welfare of the community, which in turn is expected to protect their rights and serve their collective interests.

This concept is prevalent in the works of various philosophers, such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, each of whom articulated different aspects of the social contract theory and its implications for governance and individual rights.