Although it can be traced back to Greek antiquity, the idea that the foundation of our political community is a special kind of agreement—a pact or contract—between ruler and ruled gained traction in the 17th and 18th centuries. This agreement is what has come to be known as “the social contract.” In locating the right to rule in this kind of agreement, social contract theorists justify political rule on the basis of reason, rather than strength or force. In this week’s P4L we will read some of the most famous arguments in favor of the social contract, as well as some critiques against it. (Image: Diana Schmertz) (Incidentally, this spring, we are running Phil 290 “Special Topics: The Social Contract” — spread the word!)