The Social Contract Theory

Hobbes’s Argument

We all want to live as well as possible; but in order to flourish, we need a peaceful, cooperative social order. And we cannot have one without rules.

The Prisoner’s Dilemma

(a) You could be selfish while other people are benevolent;

(b) others could be selfish while you are benevolent;

(c) everyone could be selfish; and

(d) everyone could be benevolent.

State of nature

Survival of the fittest

Social contract

People must agree on rules to govern their interactions. They must agree, for example, not to harm one another and not to break their promises.

Supererogatory

Above and beyond the call of duty

Agree

People have do to what to be governed

Political and moral theory

Social Contract theory falls under both of these theories

God

According to Hobbes morality doesn’t come from