Topic 6: Social Contract Theory

Social Contract Theory

The view that moral and political rules are justified because rational individuals would agree to them for mutual advantage

State of Nature Hobbes

A hypothetical condition without government where life is solitary poor nasty brutish and short according to Hobbes

Purpose of the Social Contract Hobbes

To escape the state of nature by agreeing to rules of cooperation that allow peaceful coexistence

Moral vs Political Contract

Moral contract explains why we should follow moral rules political contract explains the legitimacy and structure of government authority

Source of Moral Obligations Contract View

Moral duties arise because individuals agree to constraints that benefit everyone including themselves

Mutual Advantage Principle

Individuals comply with rules because doing so benefits them and non compliance would make everyone worse off

Prisoners Dilemma Significance

Illustrates that rational self interested individuals may fail to cooperate without an agreed upon enforceable contract

Prisoners Dilemma Outcome

Rational agents choose to defect even though mutual cooperation would benefit both showing the need for rules and enforcement

Hobbes Sovereign

The absolute authority created by the contract whose role is to enforce rules and ensure compliance to avoid the state of nature

Rational for Absolute Authority Hobbes

Only an all powerful sovereign can ensure people obey the rules for commodious living and avoid chaos

Commodious Living Hobbes

A stable peaceful social life made possible through agreed upon moral and political rules

Limitation of Hobbes Contract Exclusion Problem

Those who cannot contribute to mutual advantage such as vulnerable populations animals and future generations are left outside the contract

Vulnerability Problem in Contract Theory

If moral obligations arise only from agreement we may owe nothing to those who cannot enter the agreement

Inclusion Challenge

The question of whether and how to expand the contract to include vulnerable individuals future people or nonhuman animals

Rawls Social Contract Political

A hypothetical contract used to determine principles of justice for a fair society

Original Position Rawls

A thought experiment where rational agents choose principles of justice without knowing their social position

Veil of Ignorance Rawls

The condition of not knowing one’s class race gender abilities or social advantages when deciding on just principles

Purpose of the Veil of Ignorance

Ensures fairness by preventing bias since no one can choose principles favouring their own group

Rawls Principles of Justice Basic Idea

Rational agents would choose equal basic liberties and social inequalities arranged to benefit the least advantaged

Difference Between Hobbes and Rawls

Hobbes focuses on security and absolute authority Rawls focuses on fairness equality and democratic institutions

Civil Disobedience Justification Contract View

If the state fails to uphold its end of the agreement citizens denied benefits of cooperation are not obligated to comply

When Civil Disobedience is Justified

When laws systematically harm or exclude certain groups making it unreasonable to expect their obedience

Limitation of Contract Theory Exam Requirement

Must explain exclusion problem why vulnerable groups may not be protected and propose ways to address it

Prisoners Dilemma Exam Requirement

Must explain how it shows the need for rules and why self interested individuals require contracts to ensure cooperation

Rawls Veil of Ignorance Exam Requirement

Must clearly describe why decisions made behind the veil are fair and impartial

Mutual Advantage Exam Relevance

Social contract obligations exist because cooperation benefits all participants and prevents worse outcomes