PLC1501
ASSIGNMENT 1
DUE DATE: 10 APRIL 2026
, PLC1501 ASSIGNMENT 1 2026
DUE 10 APRIL 2026
Question 1
“Various theories have been developed to explain the origin of politics and why
the individual finds him/herself in a political environment” (Study guide 2002:31-
32). In light of the above, discuss rationalistic theory as an explanation for the
origin of politics.
According to the rationalistic theory, politics is not a divine mandate or a natural
occurrence but a deliberate product of human reason. As your study guide notes, this
theory posits that "human beings consciously institute the authorities, because it is in
their interests to do so" (Study Unit 2, 2002:36–37). The primary mechanism through
which this is understood to happen is the social contract.
The Core Idea of the Social Contract
The social contract is a theoretical agreement where individuals, living in a "prepolitical
existence" often called the state of nature, come together to form a political community.
They collectively agree on a system of leadership, the powers of the rulers, and the
relationship between the authorities and their subjects. This act of reasoning and
agreement is what brings politics into existence (Study guide:36). This concept has
ancient roots, appearing in Hindu and Buddhist writings, but its most famous
formulations come from 17th and 18th-century philosophers .
ASSIGNMENT 1
DUE DATE: 10 APRIL 2026
, PLC1501 ASSIGNMENT 1 2026
DUE 10 APRIL 2026
Question 1
“Various theories have been developed to explain the origin of politics and why
the individual finds him/herself in a political environment” (Study guide 2002:31-
32). In light of the above, discuss rationalistic theory as an explanation for the
origin of politics.
According to the rationalistic theory, politics is not a divine mandate or a natural
occurrence but a deliberate product of human reason. As your study guide notes, this
theory posits that "human beings consciously institute the authorities, because it is in
their interests to do so" (Study Unit 2, 2002:36–37). The primary mechanism through
which this is understood to happen is the social contract.
The Core Idea of the Social Contract
The social contract is a theoretical agreement where individuals, living in a "prepolitical
existence" often called the state of nature, come together to form a political community.
They collectively agree on a system of leadership, the powers of the rulers, and the
relationship between the authorities and their subjects. This act of reasoning and
agreement is what brings politics into existence (Study guide:36). This concept has
ancient roots, appearing in Hindu and Buddhist writings, but its most famous
formulations come from 17th and 18th-century philosophers .
