Introduction
Many states in the United States have issued a requirement of wearing of helmets while operating motorcycles. Throughput historical periods, various philosophers have offered their beliefs regarding the government rights and individual rights ( Olsen, Thomas & Singleton et al., 2016). These views can be explained based with the social contract theories. The paper will discuss how Jean-Jacques Roussseau and Thomas Hobbes social contract theories apply to the helmet laws established by the government to protect citizens from head and brain injuries. Although the government implements laws to protect its citizen, not every individual adheres to the laws and some even question certain laws.
Social Contract Theories and Helmet Laws
Helmet laws was implemented to promote safety of drivers during an accident. The laws makes it mandatory for motorcyclists to wear their helmets when operating their motor vehicle. According to the law, if an individual ride their motorcycle without a helmet, they will be charged with a monetary fine for violation of the law ( Olsen, Thomas & Singleton et al., 2016).
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This law corresponds with Thomas Hobbes theory that state we should allow the governing body to protect its citizens and in order for this to happen, we should give up some of our civil rights. Some people agree with the law indicating that when put in the context of safety, wearing a helmet means the same thing as wearing a seat belt. They both function as safety devices used for protection in case of an accident ( Rippon, de Maagt, Zala & van den Brink, 2017).
On the other hand, Jean Jacques Rousseau’s theory differs with the helmet laws. The theory states that the citizens do not have to give up their civil rights and freedoms and these laws should not be regulated under a governing body. Additionally, Rousseau believes that if people agree to the helmet laws, their future generation will be bound by it. Some individuals approve this view as it applies to helmet laws. They argue that people do not have to wear their helmets when riding their motorcycles because it is a personal choice. They belief this law is a breach upon their individual rights ( Rippon, de Maagt, Zala & van den Brink, 2017).
Imposition of Rules by the Government
Both Rousseau and Hobbes have differing views on the question whether the government should provide security by overcoming the selfish desires of the individual citizen, or should citizens cooperate voluntarily in service of the general welfare of all. According to Roussaeu, Humans only need nature and not a governing body to impose rules on them because they are harmless and civilized creatures. Imposing laws on people is what causes them to turn into beasts because it hinders them from living a natural life. The laws cause individuals to give up their liberty, which degrades and annuls life. The theory states that people should live in society in complete freedom without being imposed on rules to dictate their lives ( Southwell, 2018). Therefore, he argues that citizens are obligated to abide by a law as a way of expressing the general welfare.
According to Hobbes, the government should provide security by overcoming the selfish desires of the individual citizen because not everyone lives by the same moral and ethical codes thus having a governing body will help to determine what is wrong and right. He argues that the decision to give up civil rights to the higher power is a rational, self-interest act as long as they agree with the sovereign. Leaving people to live their lives without any form of regulation would lead to chaos because people can be brutal and chaotic ( Southwell, 2018). Therefore, Hobbes promotes the civilization of citizens.
Justification of the Imposition of Governmental Authority on Individual Citizens
The government has the responsibility of protecting its citizens by providing security them with security. It achieves this by focusing on maintaining law and order and to enforcing laws for people to adhere to the established rules and regulations. Like Hobbes states, it is important for society to have laws in place because they protect people from harm. With the world full of violence and insecurity, without imposition of laws, the chaos of war and disorder can be too high ( Southwell, 2018). Therefore, without regulation, the people can be selfish and brutal, thus might cause harm to others.
Are individuals always obligated to obey the dictates of their government?
Political obligation means society has a right to expect an individual to obey certain regulations. According to Hobbes, although he agrees the theory of a social contract, he does not believe people should adhere and follow the laws when they do not agree with the sovereign. In addition, Rousseau argues that an individual is obligated to abide by the law as an expression of the general welfare but is not obliged to obey the law if they disagree with the law ( Southwell, 2018).
Elements of the Traditional Theories are Relevant to this Case
The elements of traditional theories that are relevant to this case include the central principle of accumulation and determination in reference to self and others. Another element includes considering the interests and concerns of individuals, and the justification of values and norms by reference to the individual concerned (Boner, 2018).
Is it unethical for individual citizens to ignore this governmental requirement?
The governmental requires its citizens to abide by the laws imposed on them. As citizens, we are required to follow the set of ethical guidelines provided by the government. Ignoring or overriding the values is considered unethical and thus unlawful (Boner, 2018).
Conclusion
The discussion about the application of helmet laws has been explained clearly the social contract theory of Rousseau and Hobbes. Although these theories differ significantly, they both apply in the helmet laws. Having laws is important because it helps to protect the people from violence. On the other hand, it is also important for the government not to impose laws without taking into consideration the will of the people. Therefore, as much as the government makes regulations to protect its citizens, it should ensure individuals liberty is not be interfered with and the laws should be bounded by legitimate claims.
References
Boner, J. (2018). Philosophy and political economy . Routledge.
Olsen, C. S., Thomas, A. M., Singleton, M., Gaichas, A. M., Smith, T. J., Smith, G. A., ... & Kerns, T. (2016). Motorcycle helmet effectiveness in reducing head, face and brain injuries by state and helmet law. Injury epidemiology , 3 (1), 8.
Rippon, S., de Maagt, S., Zala, M., & van den Brink, B. (2017). Report on the European heritage of philosophical theorizing about justice.
Southwell, G. (2018). What Would Marx Do?: How the greatest political theorists would solve your everyday problems . Hachette UK.
