The philosopher known for the term "the social contract" is Jean-Jacques Rousseau. In his seminal work, "The Social Contract," published in 1762, Rousseau explores the idea that individuals in a society can come together to form a collective agreement, or social contract, that establishes the framework for governance and laws. This contract is crucial for maintaining order and protecting individual freedoms while promoting the common good. Rousseau's ideas greatly influenced later democratic thought and political philosophy.