L4 - Social Contract Theory & Capitalism

What is social contract theory?

The idea that morality and ethics are based on agreements made between individuals, and outside of these agreements, there is no morality.

Example: Traffic laws are a social contract where people agree to follow rules for safety and order.

How does social contract theory view society itself?

Society is seen as a grand agreement among individuals to coexist and cooperate.

Example: Paying taxes in exchange for public services like infrastructure and healthcare.

What is Hobbes' view on human nature?

Humans are naturally self-interested and seek power and survival, leading to a "state of nature" that is chaotic and violent.

Example: Without rules, people might constantly fight for resources, leading to a "war of all against all."

What is the "state of nature" according to Hobbes?

A condition without societal rules where life is "nasty, brutish, and short."

Example: Post-apocalyptic scenarios where people fend for themselves without a governing authority.

Why do people form social contracts according to Hobbes?

To escape the state of nature by agreeing to give up some freedoms for the security and power provided by a collective group (the state).

Example: Forming a government to enforce laws and protect against violence.

How does Locke's social contract theory differ from Hobbes'?

Locke believes in "atomic individualism" and that people have natural rights (like property and freedom) granted by God that cannot be taken away.

Example: The right to pursue happiness without infringing on others' rights.

What does Locke say about happiness?

People pursue their own vision of happiness through voluntary agreements, as long as it doesn’t harm others.

Example: Starting a business to achieve financial independence without exploiting employees.

What is the role of the state according to Locke?

To enforce agreements and maintain order, not to infringe on natural rights.

Example: Governments regulating business practices to protect individual rights.

What is distributive justice?

The fair distribution of benefits and burdens within a society.

Example: Debating how to allocate healthcare resources fairly.

What is basic egalitarianism?

The belief that everyone has an equal claim to all benefits and resources by default.

Example: Universal access to education.

What is utilitarian distributive justice?

Distributing resources in a way that maximizes overall happiness.

Example: Providing social welfare programs to reduce poverty.

What is libertarian distributive justice?

A free-market approach where individuals freely enter agreements and receive what they deserve through competition.

Example: Allowing successful businesses to thrive without government intervention.

What is the principle of competition in libertarianism?

Competition improves individuals and rewards those who perform best.

Example: Two companies competing for a contract, where the more efficient one wins.

What is the "hidden hand" concept proposed by Adam Smith?

The idea that individual self-interest in a free market naturally leads to economic efficiency and fair distribution.

Example: Consumers choosing the best quality product forces producers to improve.

Why do libertarians oppose government regulation?

They believe regulation distorts the natural market forces that ensure just distribution through competition.

Example: Opposing minimum wage laws because they interfere with market dynamics.

How do Hobbes and Locke differ in their view of human nature?

Hobbes: Humans are naturally selfish and require a strong authority to maintain order.

Locke: Humans have natural rights and can coexist peacefully through agreements.

Example:

Hobbes' View: Strict government control to prevent chaos.

Locke's View: Limited government that preserves individual freedom.

How do Hobbes and Locke differ in their view of the state's role?

Hobbes: The state has absolute power to maintain peace.

Locke: The state should only enforce agreements and protect natural rights.

Example:

Hobbes' View: A monarch with total control.

Locke's View: A democratic government with checks and balances.