noun
social contract theory
Refers to the political philosophy that individuals consent to form a society and government, often associated with thinkers like Rousseau. Used in academic or historical contexts.
ルソーの民約論はフランス革命に影響を与えた。
Rousseau's social contract theory influenced the French Revolution.
社会契約説 is a more common and modern term for social contract theory, while 民約論 is an older, more literary term often associated with Rousseau's work.
From 民 (people) + 約 (contract) + 論 (theory). The term is a direct translation of the Western concept of social contract, popularized in Japan through translations of Rousseau's 'Du contrat social'.