Social Contract Theory

• Define Altruism.

  It is best to help, serve, or benefit others even at the sacrifice of self-interest.
• Define (Moral) Egosim.

  It is always best to choose to act in our own best interest. Altruism exists, but it is foolish.
• Define Psychological Egosim.

  All motivation to achieve a benefit of oneself, thus altruism is not realistic, since self-interest persists.
• Who is Thomas Hobbes?

  • Psychological Egoist who thought it was unrealistic to deny our selfish nature.
  • Lays the foundation for having "morals by agreement," saying that a social contract makes life better for all of us.
• Define Equality of Power.

  People are roughly equal in strength and intelligence. No person is so smart or powerful that they cannot be defeated or outwitted.
• Define Equality of Need.

  All people have the same basic needs.
• Define Scarcity.

  Resources are scarce.
• Define Limited Altruism (Psychological Altruism).

  People, by nature, generally look out for their own self-interest. Everyone places their own needs well above the needs of everyone else.
• What are some of Hobbes's points in Reading #5a/b, "The Social Contract Theory?" (Part 1)

  Since we are all roughly equal, we feel like we have an equal right to resources.

  • Competition to survive.
  • Distrust, deception, and betrayal are present.
  • Unwillingness to give up what we have.
  • Propensity to try to take what we want.
• What are some of Hobbes's points in Reading #5a/b, "The Social Contract Theory?" (Part 2)


  We will fight to obtain those things we need.

  • Subjugate until someone stronger comes along.
  • No possibility of friends.
  • Need to look strongest in order to keep people from messing with us.
• Define the State of Nature.

  Dominated by scarcity and fear where "every man is enemy to every man," and life is "solitary, poor, hasty, brutish, and short."

  • There is no law, no morality, no property, and only one "natural right," to protect themselves by any means.
• Describe more about the State of Nature.

  • No industry, culture, education, building, commerce. Total freeze on personal and societal flourishing.
  • No judgment for taking and oppressing because it is required to survive in that type of environment.
• Describe the Social Contract presented by Hobbes.

  • Points towards us doing whatever would be in our best interest as far as survival, which is to seek peace.
  • Mutual agreement on details. Only allow to be done to others what you would be willing to have done to yourself.
  • Maintain the right to defend themselves from bodily harm, torture, imprisonment.
• How can a social contract be the start of a government?

  • We consent to use a Third Party Sovereign with absolute authority who enforces the agreement, protecting life and property by punishing those who use violence, fraud or deceit.
  • This is the beginning of a government.
  • Abused authority is better than no authority and revolt is never right unless it succeeds.