Single Idea 10

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / B. Nature of a State / 2. State Legitimacy / c. Social contract]

Full Idea

Once people experience committing wrong and suffering it, they see the disadvantages are unavoidable and the benefits unobtainable, ...so they enter into a contract, guaranteeing no permitting or receiving wrong, ...and they then make laws and decrees.

Gist of Idea

After a taste of mutual harm, men make a legal contract to avoid it

Source

Plato (The Republic [c.371 BCE], 359a)

Book Reference

Plato: 'Republic', ed/tr. Waterfield,Robin [OUP 1993], p.46


A Reaction

This seems to be the earliest statement of the social contract idea. Here it both sets up the state and creates morality. This is Glaucon speaking, and is NOT endorsed by Socrates.

Related Idea

Idea 19946 Morality is a compromise, showing restraint, to avoid suffering wrong without compensation [Plato]