I don't recall if Woods used this example but I am reminded of some of the great Indian (American) chiefs who would point out that their agreements with the state (white man chief) were mostly meaningless. The next chief would change it or break it.

The US government is like a one-way system. You or I can't break "agreement" with them but they sure can with us or other nations/states.

This is a road that once you go down you really can't un-see it all. You might decide that this arrangement is as good as it gets but it sure does take the morality and goodness / logic out of it.

kepford

Contracts have to be voluntary and between parties who are rightfully entitled to their side of the contract.

The state is not such an entity so contracts with it are not binding, in my view. If a highwayman holds you up on the road, we don’t see that as a legitimate agreement that you made in order to proceed on your journey.

You’re right though that those are examples of explicit social contracts.

Politics_And_Law

Is Social Contract theory sound or nonsensical?

Contracts have to be voluntary and between parties who are rightfully entitled to their side of the contract. 

The state is not such an entity so contracts with it are not binding, in my view. If a highwayman holds you up on the road, we don’t see that as a legitimate agreement that you made in order to proceed on your journey. 

You’re right though that those are examples of explicit social contracts.