Mechanistic Theory

The state is a machine (this is called Mechanistic Theory)Liberals believe that the state is akin to a machine and is created by individuals with the express purpose to protect their freedom

Take the case of the social contract outlined by John Locke. He argued that individuals move from a state of nature towards a social contract with rights and duties on both sides. The purpose of the social contract is to uphold personal freedom, the government is created by the people and can be replaced if it fails to maintain the core value of liberty.

Mechanistic Theory

Mechanistic theory also stipulates that our behaviour is determined by the interactions between individuals. Mechanistic theory is therefore the opposite of the conservative view that society is an organism in which the state evolves over time.