PRESENTATION 7

The Social Contact Theory

Group 1
Acervo, Mikhael Bien
Adelantar, Bea Danielle
Akmad, Shellamie
Alcantara, Jeric
Anos, John Andrew
SUMMARIZE
Social Contract Theory

Explains why governments exist

People follow rules in exchange for protection
People consent, and can challenge or replace government's
power
 State of Nature
1.
Imagines a situation where there is no
government or authority
Individuals have personal freedom

2.
Face potential conflicts and insecurity
A way to examine the benefits and
drawbacks of organized society
ANALYZE
 Why is morality the solution to a
practical problem that arises for
self-interested human beings?

Morality is a practical solution to the challenges

that arise from self-interest in human beings
It mitigates the negative consequences of pure
self-interest and encourages empathy, fairness,
and respect for others.
Why is the state of nature a
“constant state of war”?

Without a governing authority, individuals are free to

pursue their own interests, leading to conflicts over
resources and power.
SYNTHESIZE
 How can we escape the state of
nature?
Escape Escape

establish a social It creates rules,

institutions, and justice
contract and
mechanisms to maintain
governing authority. order and protect
rights.
How does the Social Contract create
the conditions for altruism?
Establish shared rules and
obligations

Fosters a sense of mutual

responsibility and empathy
 How does the Social Contract create
duties?
Duties Duties

Creates duties Ensure the

through a mutual functioning and
agreement among well-being of
individuals in a society society
 How does the Social Contract Theory
explain the purpose of morality and
government?

It explains that morality guides human behavior and

promotes social harmony, while government enforces
and upholds moral principles for the benefit of
society
 How does the Prisoner’s Dilemma
explain the Social Contract Theory?
The Prisoner's Dilemma demonstrates the
tension between self-interest and
cooperation.

The Social Contract Theory suggests

that individuals enter a social contract
to overcome this dilemma.
EVALUATE
 Do you agree that morality is about mutual benefit, such
that it consists in the set of rules, governing behavior, that
rational people will accept, on the condition that others
accept them as well?

The solution aligns with the social contract

tradition and consequentialist ethics,
aiming to maximize mutual benefit and
promote societal harmony
 Do we have moral duties to
individuals who cannot benefit
us?

The virtue of the solution lies in

recognizing moral duties to individuals
who cannot benefit us directly,
promoting altruism and compassion.