Political philosophy
What is a just society?

Political philosophy — Common questions

Questions about Political philosophy

What is the social contract?

The social contract is the idea that political authority rests on an agreement — real or hypothetical — among citizens. Hobbes thought we surrender freedom for security; Locke thought we retain natural rights; Rousseau thought the contract must express the general will. Our social contract guide covers all three. The Stanford Encyclopedia goes deeper.

What is Rawls's veil of ignorance?

John Rawls asked: what principles of justice would you choose if you did not know your place in society — your wealth, talents, or even generation? He argued we would choose equal basic liberties and an arrangement that benefits the least advantaged. See our guide on the veil of ignorance.