Based on methodological individualism and empiricism, this book aspires to shape a real social contract -- one ultimately based on the reciprocal respect of human dignity, that is capable of founding a legitimate state in the real world. It aims to establish, among other points, that (1) a real social contract is essential for legitimating and sustaining constitutional democracy; (2) misconceived social contract theories, such as those developed by Rousseau or Rawls, may well lead to totalitarianism rather than liberal democracy; and (3) a true social contract is ultimately rooted in the reciprocal respect for human dignity -- a concept found in philosophies like Confucianism, which itself requires reformulation to adapt to the modern world.
