The Social Contract; Rights and Responsibilities.


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Recent societal dissatisfaction has led to some unprecedented calls for cultural changes not seen in western society in over 100 years or more. So is it time to re-evaluate and redefine our foundational societal contract?
Extreme polarization of wealth and power, threats to desired basic individual liberties, an emerging focus on unaddressed issues of social justice and even challenges to access of basic necessities such as safe neighborhoods, healthy food, basic housing, basic income and healthcare, and even clean air and water have prompted many to call for a demand that society accommodate and provide such needs. This will expand the rights of some and certainly deprive rights of others.
The social contract also balances rights with responsibilities though. If rights are expanding within the social contract, is it right for society to expect responsibilities should also be expanded? Is it right to expect members to work harder at being both educated and productive in our careers, law abiding and conserving of resources, eat healthier and exercise, and even accept civic participation responsibilities such as compulsory public service?
And maybe most important, can the new demands expected with a redefined social contract be sustainably provided by a society? Or are the costs just too great?
reading - 1) Chomsky - political compose
2) comparison of socialism(marx/engels, das capital) vs. capitalism (smith, wealth of nations, Theory of moral sentiments)
3) Locke - Two treatises of government
4) Green New Deal Overview

The Social Contract; Rights and Responsibilities.