The Social Contract and the State of Nature

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 57 views

The 1987 Constitution of the Philippines: A Reflection of Western Philosophical Influences

The 1987 Constitution of the Philippines is a foundational document that outlines the framework of the country's government, economy, and society. Adopted on February 11, 1987, it has been in effect for over three decades, shaping the nation's development and governance. This article will delve into the provisions of the 1987 Constitution and explore how certain aspects reflect the philosophies of Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

The Social Contract and the State of Nature

The 1987 Constitution begins with a preamble that sets the tone for the document's underlying principles. It states, "We, the sovereign Filipino people, imploring the aid of Almighty God, in order to build a just and humane society, and establish a government that shall embody our aim for the free and independent State..." This opening sentence reflects the social contract theory, which posits that individuals come together to form a government that protects their rights and interests.

This concept is reminiscent of Thomas Hobbes' idea of the state of nature, where individuals live in a condition of war and violence, and the only way to escape this chaos is to submit to a strong central authority. The 1987 Constitution's emphasis on the need for a strong government to maintain order and stability echoes Hobbes' philosophy.

The Protection of Individual Rights and Liberties

The 1987 Constitution is also notable for its emphasis on the protection of individual rights and liberties. Article III, Section 1 states, "No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, nor shall any person be denied equal protection of the laws." This provision reflects the idea of the social contract, where individuals surrender some of their natural rights to the government in exchange for protection and security.

This concept is closely related to John Locke's philosophy, which posits that individuals have inherent rights to life, liberty, and property, and that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed. Locke's idea of the social contract is reflected in the 1987 Constitution's emphasis on the protection of individual rights and liberties.

The Promotion of Social Justice and Equality

The 1987 Constitution also reflects the philosophy of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who emphasized the importance of social justice and equality. Article II, Section 11 states, "The State shall promote a just and dynamic social policy designed to make the benefits of progress available to all, especially the underprivileged and the marginalized." This provision reflects Rousseau's idea of the general will, where the collective interests of society take precedence over individual interests.

Rousseau's philosophy is also reflected in the 1987 Constitution's emphasis on the protection of the rights of marginalized groups, such as women, children, and indigenous peoples. Article II, Section 14 states, "The State shall recognize and protect the rights of indigenous cultural communities to their ancestral lands, territories, and resources, subject to reasonable limitations designed to promote the common good."

The Role of the State in Economic Development

The 1987 Constitution also reflects the philosophy of Hobbes, who emphasized the importance of a strong central authority in maintaining economic stability and promoting development. Article XIII, Section 1 states, "The State shall promote the common good, increase the benefits of progress to all the people, and improve the quality of human life."

This provision reflects Hobbes' idea of the state as a necessary institution for maintaining order and stability in society. The 1987 Constitution's emphasis on the role of the state in promoting economic development and stability echoes Hobbes' philosophy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines reflects the philosophies of Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau in various aspects. The document's emphasis on the social contract, the protection of individual rights and liberties, the promotion of social justice and equality, and the role of the state in economic development all reflect the ideas of these influential thinkers.

The 1987 Constitution's provisions demonstrate a deep understanding of the importance of social contract theory, the protection of individual rights and liberties, and the promotion of social justice and equality. As the Philippines continues to develop and grow, the 1987 Constitution remains a foundational document that shapes the nation's governance and development.

References

1987 Constitution of the Philippines
Hobbes, T. (1651). Leviathan.
Locke, J. (1689). Two Treatises of Government.
Rousseau, J.-J. (1762). The Social Contract.

Further Reading

The Philippine Constitution: A Commentary (2013)
The Social Contract in the Philippines (2015)
The Role of the State in Economic Development (2018)

Related Articles

The History of the Philippine Constitution
The Impact of the 1987 Constitution on Philippine Governance
The Role of the Judiciary in Interpreting the 1987 Constitution
Q&A: The 1987 Constitution and its Philosophical Influences

The 1987 Constitution of the Philippines is a foundational document that outlines the framework of the country's government, economy, and society. In our previous article, we explored how certain provisions of the 1987 Constitution reflect the philosophies of Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. In this Q&A article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the 1987 Constitution and its philosophical influences.

Q: What is the significance of the 1987 Constitution?

A: The 1987 Constitution is a foundational document that outlines the framework of the Philippines' government, economy, and society. It has been in effect for over three decades and has shaped the nation's development and governance.

Q: What are the main philosophical influences on the 1987 Constitution?

A: The 1987 Constitution reflects the philosophies of Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Hobbes' idea of the state of nature and the social contract, Locke's emphasis on individual rights and liberties, and Rousseau's idea of the general will and social justice are all reflected in the document.

Q: How does the 1987 Constitution reflect Hobbes' philosophy?

A: The 1987 Constitution reflects Hobbes' philosophy in its emphasis on the social contract and the role of the state in maintaining order and stability. Article III, Section 1 states, "No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, nor shall any person be denied equal protection of the laws." This provision reflects Hobbes' idea of the state of nature and the need for a strong central authority to maintain order.

Q: How does the 1987 Constitution reflect Locke's philosophy?

A: The 1987 Constitution reflects Locke's philosophy in its emphasis on individual rights and liberties. Article III, Section 1 states, "No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, nor shall any person be denied equal protection of the laws." This provision reflects Locke's idea of the social contract and the protection of individual rights and liberties.

Q: How does the 1987 Constitution reflect Rousseau's philosophy?

A: The 1987 Constitution reflects Rousseau's philosophy in its emphasis on social justice and equality. Article II, Section 11 states, "The State shall promote a just and dynamic social policy designed to make the benefits of progress available to all, especially the underprivileged and the marginalized." This provision reflects Rousseau's idea of the general will and the importance of social justice and equality.

Q: What is the significance of the preamble to the 1987 Constitution?

A: The preamble to the 1987 Constitution sets the tone for the document's underlying principles. It states, "We, the sovereign Filipino people, imploring the aid of Almighty God, in order to build a just and humane society, and establish a government that shall embody our aim for the free and independent State..." This opening sentence reflects the social contract theory and the idea of the state as a necessary institution for maintaining order and stability.

Q: What is the role of the state in economic development according to the 1987 Constitution?

A: According to the 1987 Constitution, the state has a significant role to play in promoting economic development and stability. Article XIII, Section 1 states, "The State shall promote the common good, increase the benefits of progress to all the people, and improve the quality of human life." This provision reflects Hobbes' idea of the state as a necessary institution for maintaining order and stability in society.

Q: How has the 1987 Constitution influenced Philippine governance?

A: The 1987 Constitution has had a significant impact on Philippine governance. It has shaped the nation's development and governance, and has provided a framework for the country's government, economy, and society. The document's emphasis on individual rights and liberties, social justice and equality, and the role of the state in economic development has influenced the country's policies and laws.

Q: What are some of the challenges facing the implementation of the 1987 Constitution?

A: One of the challenges facing the implementation of the 1987 Constitution is the need for a more effective and efficient government. The document's emphasis on individual rights and liberties, social justice and equality, and the role of the state in economic development requires a government that is capable of implementing these principles in practice.

Q: How can the 1987 Constitution be improved?

A: The 1987 Constitution can be improved by making it more inclusive and representative of the country's diverse population. The document's emphasis on individual rights and liberties, social justice and equality, and the role of the state in economic development requires a government that is capable of implementing these principles in practice. Additionally, the document's provisions can be made more specific and detailed to ensure that they are implemented effectively.

References

1987 Constitution of the Philippines
Hobbes, T. (1651). Leviathan.
Locke, J. (1689). Two Treatises of Government.
Rousseau, J.-J. (1762). The Social Contract.

Further Reading

The Philippine Constitution: A Commentary (2013)
The Social Contract in the Philippines (2015)
The Role of the State in Economic Development (2018)

Related Articles

The History of the Philippine Constitution
The Impact of the 1987 Constitution on Philippine Governance
The Role of the Judiciary in Interpreting the 1987 Constitution