Abstract

This paper aims to reconstruct traditional social contract theory through the original theoretical framework of Judgemental Philosophy. Whereas existing social contract theories have primarily explained the legitimacy of state and social order centering on concepts such as reason, natural rights, and agreement, this paper applies the core structures of Judgemental Philosophy—the Pre-Judgemental Field (PJF) and the Judgemental Triad (Constructivity, Coherence, Resonance), along with key stages of the "Enhanced Ten-Step Model of Judgemental Philosophy" (particularly S9: Inter-subjective Resonance, S10: Normative Codification & Transmission)—to deeply analyze the fundamental motivations for social contract, its formation process, institutionalization, and the problem of securing ongoing legitimacy. This paper argues that the motivation for social contract originates from a fundamental drive to overcome the 'Indeterminacy' of the PJF and secure stable 'Resonance'; that the formation of the contract is a process of co-constructing meaning through S9's inter-subjective resonance; and that the resulting state is a judgemental structure institutionalized via S10's normative codification. Furthermore, it reveals that the legitimacy of the social contract depends on whether the community can continuously provide its members with meaningful Coherence and Resonance. This approach offers a new structural understanding of social contract theory and will provide an opportunity to extend the explanatory power of Judgemental Philosophy to politico-philosophical discussions.