Rousseau was a French scholar. He tried to mix the concepts of Hobbes and Locke regarding the origin of state. He was a supporter of democracy and great critic of divine rights of state.
Social contract theory of Rousseau can be explained as under:
1. Human Nature:
According to Rousseau, human nature was full of simplicity. He used to live in simplicity and freedom. He was neither selfish, brutal as was told by Hobbes, nor religious as was told by Locke. Though they were uncivilized and uncultured, but still they were best in nature. Rousseau has given them the name of ‘Noble Savage’.
2. Chaotic State:
According to Rousseau, man lived a life of heavenly pleasures in the . state of nature. He did not have the feeling of selfishness. His life was like that of a ‘Nobel Savage’. He was happy and contented. People used to live in co – operation. During the chaotic state, those reasons were totally missing which caused jealousy, conflicts and struggle among men.
3. Reason of contract:
This heavenly state of chaotic state could not last for long. Gradually, the population increased and the will of family and property arise in man. Natural equality and freedom of ‘Nobie Savage’ came to an end with the advent of property. The state of jealousy and conflicts aroase, and all the comforts of chaotic state ended.
4. Nature of Contract:
When jealousy, conflicts and struggles started in the chaotic state of nature, then man decided to get rid of that situation by ending the chaotic state and establishing a society. They entered into a mutual contract that every man would surrender his freedom, rights and power to the society because society is a group of people and it is made by the people.
So, if a man alienates his freedom, rights and power to give it to the society, he gets it back again, being a part of society. According to Rousseau, the contract which is made by men to end the chaotic state, is made between two parties. First party is men as individuals and second party is men as a group.
