Social Contract Theory and the Motive to Be Moral
One idea that we encounter on a daily basis, is morality. There are many reasons and theories of morality and everyone is entitled to their own thoughts and beliefs. I will be discussing the Social Contract Theory.
The Social Contract Theory, is “as old as philosophy itself” (IEP, para 1). The concept of this theory is that a group of people come together and agree on terms which they must follow. In doing so, each person must give up his or her own desires for the overall performance of the group. This agreement stated by Pojman “sets up both rules and a governing force: The rules create an atmosphere of peace, and the government ensures that we follow the rules”. This will allow for their …show more content…
On a very small combat outpost (COP), the US Military, Afghanistan Army, and local Police came together to live on a daily basis for twelve months. This COP had three key leaders: the Mayor, Commander and the First Sergeant. While each leadership position had a dedicated area of responsibility to keep order and set forth general instructions and rules. Everyone living on the base agreed to these conditions to support an environment that was in the interest for all.
The Social Contract Theory offers a strong argument that the motive of morality is in the best interest of each person within a society. By agreeing to this social contract the society will have order by reducing chaos and suffering; while promoting a political and governing force to hold people accountable for their actions. At the same time resolving conflicts and issuing punishment and reward to just and unjust person. This theory allows everyone the equal opportunity to succeed in obtaining their goal(s) in …show more content…
The Social Contract Theory tried to reverse this argument by devising a study called the game theory. The game theory created situations for people to play and have interaction among other players to make decisions of morality and self-interest. As the game of Cooperate or Cheat points out a very serious problem. Pojiman state “The cleaver person will still break a moral rule whenever he or she can do so without getting detected and unduly undermining the whole system” (POJ, 75). This reason for exercising self-interest is known as the Principle of rational
One idea that we encounter on a daily basis, is morality. There are many reasons and theories of morality and everyone is entitled to their own thoughts and beliefs. I will be discussing the Social Contract Theory.
The Social Contract Theory, is “as old as philosophy itself” (IEP, para 1). The concept of this theory is that a group of people come together and agree on terms which they must follow. In doing so, each person must give up his or her own desires for the overall performance of the group. This agreement stated by Pojman “sets up both rules and a governing force: The rules create an atmosphere of peace, and the government ensures that we follow the rules”. This will allow for their …show more content…
On a very small combat outpost (COP), the US Military, Afghanistan Army, and local Police came together to live on a daily basis for twelve months. This COP had three key leaders: the Mayor, Commander and the First Sergeant. While each leadership position had a dedicated area of responsibility to keep order and set forth general instructions and rules. Everyone living on the base agreed to these conditions to support an environment that was in the interest for all.
The Social Contract Theory offers a strong argument that the motive of morality is in the best interest of each person within a society. By agreeing to this social contract the society will have order by reducing chaos and suffering; while promoting a political and governing force to hold people accountable for their actions. At the same time resolving conflicts and issuing punishment and reward to just and unjust person. This theory allows everyone the equal opportunity to succeed in obtaining their goal(s) in …show more content…
The Social Contract Theory tried to reverse this argument by devising a study called the game theory. The game theory created situations for people to play and have interaction among other players to make decisions of morality and self-interest. As the game of Cooperate or Cheat points out a very serious problem. Pojiman state “The cleaver person will still break a moral rule whenever he or she can do so without getting detected and unduly undermining the whole system” (POJ, 75). This reason for exercising self-interest is known as the Principle of rational