Essential David Hume: The Social Contract & The Origins of Government

Описание: Even to this day, many people believe that the legitimacy of government is rooted in a social contract wherein citizens agree to be governed in exchange for certain protections and rights. But David Hume observed that throughout history, governments came to power through violence and conquest, and not by the consent of those who had been conquered. Hume also recognized, though, that government can play a beneficial role in society by upholding justice and protecting property rights, which allow people to flourish. And so, for Hume, the legitimacy of government is limited to the extent to which it enforces justice and protects property rights. Watch this video to learn more, and visit www.EssentialHume.org.