Ethics Weblog

According to Webster, Ethics is the branch of philosophy dealing with the rules of right conduct.

In the search for morality or goodness in our actions, we have discussed many theories this semester ranging from CI to Utilitarianism (not necessarily in that order).  What we have found is, despite their initial appeal, the theories are also accompanied with some flaws.

Being flawed is not necessarily cause for complete disregard.  It should not be surprising that of all the theories that I am most attracted to Hobbes’ theory of “Social Contract”.

According to Hobbes, life in the state of nature (constant state of war) is solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.  In exchange for peace and protection, mankind transferred their rights to a central agency (governement), which in turn enforces the covenant.  From the covenant and creation of government emerges morality.

Morality resides in the fact that our rationality allowed us to accept the trade-off of our rights over protection, and the ultimate happiness of all.  In the end we come to enjoy the mutual benefits afforded by the covenant. 

The governement serves its purpose for keeping all actors in check.  It ensures that we follow the rules.  When someone violates the covenant he gets punished according to the rules of the covenant. 

Technological advances, commercial export and import of goods, cures for diseases, advancement of arts and letters are some of the benefits associated with the social contract theory.

Tangible benefits, social order, respite from a violent death in a constant state of war are reasons enough to make Hobbes’ social contract theory my preferred theory over CR, DCT, Mill’s Utility; Kant’s CI; and Aristotle’s PS.