Deck 13: The Social Contract Tradition: the Theory and Its Attractions

Question 1

Describe the proceduralist approach to ethics and explain how it differs from an approach that begins with certain deeply held moral judgments. Which approach to ethics do you think is preferable, and why?

Answer 1

No Answer.

Question 2

Describe in detail a prisoner's dilemma situation and explain what makes the situation a prisoner's dilemma. Does contractarianism provide a satisfying solution to prisoner's dilemma situations?

Answer 2

No Answer.

Question 3

What did Hobbes mean by the state of nature? What did he imagine life would be like in such a state? How did he suggest that people could get out of such a state? Do you agree with his assessment of the state of nature? Why or why not?

Answer 3

No Answer.

Question 4

What attitude do contractarians take toward the state? How can state power be justified, according to contractarianism? Is it ever permissible to break the law, according to the theory?

Question 5

Explain the veil of ignorance. What work does the veil do for contractarianism? What do you think contractors would agree to from behind the veil? Do you think that this is a good approach to contractarianism? Why or why not?

Question 6

According to proceduralism, we should begin moral inquiry

A) by assuming that morality does not exist unless we can prove that it does.
B) by assuming the truth of our most deeply held moral judgments.
C) by identifying a method for determining right from wrong.
D) only once we have settled contentious political issues.

Question 7

An example of proceduralism would be

A) rule consequentialism.
B) the principle of universalizability.
C) contractarianism.
D) All of the above

Question 8

A prisoner's dilemma is a situation in which

A) all people benefit if all people refrain from pursuing their short-term interests.
B) all people benefit if all people pursue their short-term interests.
C) every possible course of action ends up harming everyone.
D) there is no possible action that does not break the law.

Question 9

According to the moral theory of contractarianism, the final authority on ethics is

A) personal opinion.
B) the law.
C) conventional wisdom.
D) None of the above

Question 10

According to contractarianism, breaking the law is justified

A) whenever it is in one's self-interest to do so.
B) whenever a law is grossly unjust.
C) whenever the law is unpopular.
D) never.

Question 11

According to contractarianism, the state's ultimate purpose is

A) to aid our escape from the state of nature.
B) to make sure everyone is as well off as possible.
C) to punish people who cause harm.
D) None of the above

Question 12

Which of the following is not an advantage of contractarianism?

A) It explains the objectivity of morality.
B) It justifies the content of basic moral rules.
C) It ensures everyone is as well off as possible.
D) It implies a basic moral duty to obey the law.

Question 13

What does the approach known as proceduralism claim?

A) All criminal trials must follow a rigorous procedure in order to be fair.
B) Ethical theorizing should begin with our deeply held moral judgments.
C) Ethical theorizing should begin by identifying a method for distinguishing right from wrong.
D) Ethical theory is an empty formality.

Question 14

When is an action morally right, according to contractarianism?

A) When it does not break any of one's agreements
B) When it respects the rights and autonomy of others
C) When it is permitted by the rules that free, equal, and rational people would agree to
D) When it maximizes the well-being of all involved

Question 15

How does contractarianism regard the status of moral rules?

A) They are a matter of personal opinion.
B) They are a matter of societal convention.
C) They are objective.
D) There are no moral rules, according to contractarianism.

Question 16

When is it permissible to break moral rules, according to contractarianism?

A) Whenever doing so is in one's self-interest
B) Whenever most others consistently fail to abide by them
C) Whenever doing so will maximize utility
D) Never

Question 17

When does contractarianism claim that civil disobedience is justified?

A) Whenever a law is grossly unjust
B) Whenever it is in one's long-term self-interest
C) Always
D) Never