Social Contract Theory
Societies operate under the provisions of the contract theory that defines the guidelines to be observed in the course of coexistence. Social contract theory entails people coming together to define and make rules and laws that will guide their operations in society. Policing is enhanced in the society to ensure the rules and laws set under the social contract theory are enforced for the common good of the society (Hickey, 2011). Social contract theory eliminated conflict in society as observation of the law ensures that people can effectively coexist. On the other hand, the social contract theory has solutions for those people that violate the law to buy jailing or fining them. Punishment ensures that only law-abiding citizens will have an easy time in society. Rules and laws are set in the society under the social contract theory while policing are enhanced to enforce the agreed laws and rules.
Philosophers and proponents behind the Social contract theory
Thomas Hobbes is the mains proponent and brain behind the social contract theory. The social, political and moral principles by Hobbes are motivated by the social contract theory. Hobbes believes that social contract theory is the vehicle under which the rules and laws in the society are developed and created. Additionally, other modern proponents of the social contract laws have come up to advance and enhance the theory such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau and John Locke (Riley, 2000). The philosophers have come up with their versions of the social contract theory to explain the organizations and processes in society. Other philosophers and theorists such as David Gauthier and Rawls have made their contribution in relating the social contract theory to operations and processes in the society. All the theorist and philosopher who are proponents of the social contract theory forms a covenant between the people in the society through rules and laws that need to be observed thus enhancing efficiency for the common good.
The link between Policing and social contract theory
Social contract theory is closely linked to policing in society. The social contract theory people in society lead to the creation of laws and rules that are mandatory to all the people despite if they have consented to ratification or the enactment of the laws. The laws are set for the common good of the society and they are observed by a majority of the people (Jos, 2006). However, some persons violate the laws either willing or unconsciously prompting the law enforcers to intervene. The law enforcers ensure that the set laws are observed and those that violate them are punished through the same law through imprisonment or fines. Therefore, policing is employed to ensure that laws and rules set under the social contract theory are enforced by all members of the society.
Social contract theory controversies on the Death penalty
The rules and laws developed under the social contract theory are mandatory and apply to every member of the society. Additionally, the punishment for violating the different rules and laws apply to the latter regardless of their impacts on the victims (Oldenquist, 2003). In the case, of intense crimes, the prescribed punishment is death penalty and applies to all members of the society that are involved in the violation of the law. The death penalty has been criticized across the board for they are thought to be draconian and do not consider the sanctity of life.
References
Hickey, S. (2011). The politics of social protection: what do we get from a ‘social contract’ approach?. Canadian Journal of Development Studies/Revue Canadienne d’études du développement, 32(4), 426-438.
Jos, P. H. (2006). Social contract theory: Implications for professional ethics. The American Review of Public Administration, 36(2), 139-155.
Oldenquist, A. (2003). Retribution and the death penalty. U. Dayton L. Rev., 29, 335.
Riley, P. (2000). Will and political legitimacy: A critical exposition of social contract theory in Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Kant, and Hegel.
