The Evolution From Hobbes To Rawls On Human Nature For Social Contract Theory

The modern social contract theory is based on the theory of specific human nature.The topics of human nature in the social contract theory are:(1)in the state of nature,the essential judgment of human nature and the conditions for the transformation of human nature from good to evil;(2)the system and principle of maintaining human nature after nation state has emerged.The assumptions of the human nature of social contract theorists have undergone major changes.They have undergone a transition from Hobbes' theory of human nature assumptions to Rawls'original position hypothesis of human nature.From examining its historical background and ideological connotations,it can be seen that the changes and evolution of the humanity view responded to the establishment of the liberal political order,the checks and balances,the justification of moral obligations in western society in different periods of history,revealing the development of the logic of distribution of human rights and duties.Rethinking the concept of human nature in the social contract doctrine will inspire the institutional conditions for maintaining human nature.