Contractarianism

A defense of moral contractarianism as a distinct approach to the social contract, with particular relevance for morally diverse societies.

Michael Moehler (Author)

9781108713313, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 13 February 2020

75 pages
22.9 x 15 x 0.5 cm, 0.13 kg

This Element provides a systematic defense of moral contractarianism as a distinct approach to the social contract. It elucidates, in comparison to moral conventionalism and moral contractualism, the distinct features of moral contractarianism, its scope, and conceptual and practical challenges that concern the relationship between morality and self-interest, the problems of assurance and compliance, rule-following, counterfactualism, and the nexus between morals and politics. It argues that, if appropriately conceived, moral contractarianism is conceptually coherent, empirically sound, and practically relevant, and has much to offer to contemporary moral philosophy.

1. Introduction
2. The state of nature and social moral order
3. Moral principles and decisions
4. A reconciliation of contractarian moral theory
Bibliography.

Subject Areas: Social & political philosophy [HPS], Ethics & moral philosophy [HPQ]