Ethics - Social Contract Theory

• Should be understood as the solution to a practical problem for self-interested human beings.
• In order to flourish, we need cooperation.
• The rules of social life.

Hobbes' view of what it would be like if there were no way to enforce social rules. No government institutions - no laws, no police, and no courts.

• There is equality of need.
• There is scarcity.
• There is the essential equality of human power. There is limited altruism.

Each of us needs the same basic things to survive.

We have to work hard in order to provide the necessities of life.

Who will get the scarce goods? Even the strongest and smartest can be brought down when those who are less strong act together.

We cannot rely on the goodwill of others. We cannot assume that they will step aside when their interests conflict with ours.

An enforceable agreement.