Contract Theory

Question 1

Define Contract Theory

Answer 1

An ethical foundation concerning our rights and duties to each other

Question 2

Deeper Definition of CT

Answer 2

• The hypothetical situation of writing a social contract, given an original position or state of nature
• Idea that humans should hypothetically agree to norms of behaviour necessary for the establishment and maintenance of social order, e.g. laws and unspoken societal norms

Question 3

Theory Position

Answer 3

Rationalist

Question 4

Theorists

Answer 4

• Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau
• John Rawls as the contemporary influential theorist

Question 5

Begin with three theoretical assumptions

Answer 5

1) the imaginary beginning where the contract should solve problems. Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau star with the state of nature, an original anarchy. Rawl describes the original position
2) the procedure for selecting moral and legal principles (the contract)
3) all agents are rational (self-interested) in the decision procedure