Modern versions of the theory of social contract: an unfinished project?

Abstract

The article outlines the essence of the understanding of modern philosophy of the idea of a social contract as a new principle of regulation of human existence, which serves as the fundamental legitimation of social relations.The author argues that modern contractualism evolved from the substantiation of the basic norms of the state-legal social system through the instrumental-strategic mind and the negative-conflict interpretation of human nature (T.Hobbes) to the emphasizing of the formal terms of legitimation and the practical meaning of the theory of social contract (J.-J. Rousseau), which became the basis of the intention of combination of the order with freedom and respect for the moral dignity of each person (I.Kant).These ideas gained further development and critical comprehension in the works of contemporary political philosophers such as A.Barucci, O.Hoeffe, J.Rawls, R.Dworkin, A.MacIntyre, K.-O. Apel, J.Habermas, R.Brandt, W.Kersting. The result of their creativity was the consequent proving of the necessity of limiting the individual's selfishness and freedom to the collective will of the majority through the search for such a way of social relations, on the basis of which an individual would be subordinated to both social institutions and himself. The modern theory of social contract not only established an understanding of a modern democratic state, but also had a desire to justify an individual's awareness of limiting his own egoism and freedom for the sake of the collective will of other citizens. The author concludes that in the latest versions of contractualism, the social contract appears as a broad agreement that is the source of political rights and responsibilities of citizens, a mechanism for the just protection of their interests.