A feminist political theorist whose work, The Sexual Contract, critiques traditional social contract theory for its patriarchal assumptions. Her ideas provide inspiration for Mills’s exploration of racial subordination in contract theory.

An English philosopher whose theories on property rights, democracy, and moral egalitarianism are critically examined by Mills for their racial dimensions. Mills explores how Locke’s ideas are implicated in justifying racial hierarchies and exploitation.

A foundational figure in modern political philosophy known for advocating absolutism and deriving political authority from self-interest in a war-torn state of nature. Mills discusses Hobbes to highlight race-based differences in his rationale for political absolutism.

A Genevan philosopher whose theories on inequality and the social contract are scrutinized by Mills for their racial implications. Mills points to the exclusionary nature of Rousseau’s collective will concept concerning racial equality.

A pivotal figure in moral and political philosophy, renowned for his categorical imperative, yet critiqued by Mills for his racial hierarchy beliefs. Mills examines Kant's dual theories of personhood and subpersonhood as central to understanding racial dynamics in social contracts.

An American philosopher who revitalized social contract theory, with an emphasis on justice as fairness and Kantian influences. Mills contrasts Rawls’s abstract normative approach with his own critique that emphasizes actual racial dynamics in social theory.

A foundational Black American sociologist and historian noted for his concept of double consciousness. Mills draws on Du Bois's work to discuss The View from the Bottom, contrasting the racialized experiences of nonwhite individuals with mainstream social perceptions.