Actual Social Contract and Political Obligation: A Philosopher's History Through Locke

by Michael Davis

Rather than writing about theories and ideas, Davis (professional ethics, Illinois Institute of Technology) traces the history of the social contract as a living practice, a morally-binding agreement among members of a political society that is distinct from both state and government. He begins by arguing that there was no social contract in ancient times, then describes how that and the principles of political consent were developed. His final section portrays Hobbes and Locke carrying on a discussion about actual contract with their predecessors, rather than about theoretical contract with their descendants. He relies on conventional historians for documents, the social background, and interpretations of the past. The text is double spaced. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Hardcover

Published January 31, 2003

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