Which philosopher is associated with the concept of the social contract being essential for the governance of society?

The philosopher associated with the concept of the social contract as essential for the governance of society is Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Rousseau's formulation of the social contract emphasizes the idea that individuals come together to form a collective body politic in which they agree to cooperate for mutual benefit. He argued that the legitimacy of political authority is derived from the general will of the people, meaning that laws should reflect the collective interests of the citizens rather than those of a ruling class or monarch. Rousseau believed that through the social contract, individuals could achieve freedom and equality, creating a just society in which everyone has a stake.

In contrast, John Locke's version of the social contract stressed natural rights, focusing on the protection of life, liberty, and property, which is more associated with foundations of liberal democracy. Thomas Hobbes provided a more pessimistic view of human nature and proposed a strong, centralized authority as necessary to prevent chaos and violence, emphasizing a different aspect of the social contract. Alexander Hamilton, while significant in American political thought, is not primarily associated with the social contract theory. Thus, Rousseau stands out as the philosopher whose ideas specifically highlight the social contract as fundamental to governance and societal organization.