Which philosopher is associated with The Social Contract?

• A. Leviathan
• B. The Prince
• C. The Social Contract
• D. The Second Treatise

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is who is linked to the concept of the social contract and its view of political authority. Jean-Jacques Rousseau is the philosopher associated with The Social Contract, a work that argues legitimate political authority comes from a contract among the people and is grounded in the general will and popular sovereignty. This distinguishes it from other famous works: Leviathan, by Thomas Hobbes, presents an absolute sovereign to avoid the chaos of the state of nature; The Prince, by Niccolò Machiavelli, is a guide to political power and realpolitik; and The Second Treatise of Government, by John Locke, emphasizes government by consent and the protection of natural rights.