What is the "social contract" in contractarianism theories of ethics?
A) A hypothetical agreement specifying the role-based obligations for different members of society.
B) A hypothetical agreement among people in an imaginary state of nature that defines the rules of morality.
C) An actual agreement that people implicitly endorse by continuing to live in a particular society.
D) An actual agreement that was signed in the distant past on which a society bases its moral rules.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The "social contract" in contractarianism theories of ethics refers to a hypothetical agreement among individuals in a pre-societal state of nature, outlining the moral and political rules that govern their behavior upon entering into society. This concept is used to justify the legitimacy of governmental authority and the moral codes by which society operates, based on the idea that rational individuals would agree to certain principles for the benefit of living in a cooperative society.

What Is the "Social Contract" in Contractarianism Theories of Ethics