The concept of a social contract is most notably established in Jean-Jacques Rousseau's work titled "The Social Contract," published in 1762. This philosophical treatise argues that individuals consent, either explicitly or implicitly, to form a society and accept certain moral and political obligations in exchange for protection and the benefits of communal living. Rousseau's ideas influenced political thought, emphasizing the legitimacy of authority based on the consent of the governed. The social contract continues to be a pivotal framework in discussions of democracy and individual rights.