...Based on the definition of social contract theory is “the view that persons’ moral or political obligations are dependent upon a contract or agreement between them to form society.”All citizens who are living in the country should follow the rules of their government. By resource, biomechanics developed during the early 1970s(Molyneux 2010). Combined this technology, immortality maybe achieved and brings benefits for the whole society. However, the evidence from research has been proved that there is no obvious relevant law of immortality in Australia. Social contract is implicit, geographical and unilateral, which means that it should exist as a law rather than a formal agreement.If there is no law on immortality, there is no rule for people to obey. People could do whatever they want to make immortality come true. It might benefit the society, meanwhile, some immoral issues would also be engendered. From this point of view, social contract theory is not suitable for evaluating immortality. To evaluate whether an activity has moral worth is judged by motivation(Sandel 2010). First of all, it should be a good will. Basically, immortality makes human live longer in this world which is a good original intention, and it does not break any existing laws or principles in society. On the other side, biomechanics is a high technology which describes the application of engineering mechanics to biological and medical. This technic brings benefits on human medical treatment. Both of them...
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...What is Social Contract Theory? The concept of social contract theory is that in the beginning man lived in the state of nature. They had no government and there was no law to regulate them. There were hardships and oppression on the sections of the society. To overcome from these hardships they entered into two agreements which are:1. “Pactum Unionis”; and 2. “Pactum Subjectionis”. By the first pact of unionis, people sought protection of their lives and property. As, a result of it a society was formed where people undertook to respect each other and live in peace and harmony. By the second pact of subjectionis, people united together and pledged to obey an authority and surrendered the whole or part of their freedom and rights to an authority. The authority guaranteed everyone protection of life, property and to a certain extent liberty. Thus, they must agree to establish society by collectively and reciprocally renouncing the rights they had against one another in the State of Nature and they must imbue some one person or assembly of persons with the authority and power to enforce the initial contract. In other words, to ensure their escape from the State of Nature, they must both agree to live together under common laws, and create an enforcement mechanism for the social contract and the laws that constitute it. Thus, the authority or the government or the sovereign or the state came into being because of the two agreements. Analysis of the theory of Social...
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...Of the many moral and ethical codes presented by philosophers throughout history, few have remained intact for any long period of time. As years pass, old ideas are debated, revised, or discarded to make way for new avenues of thinking. What is important, then, is to seek out the partial truths in any given philosophical position and use them for what they are, instead of either accepting or rejecting the entirety of the belief set as objectively true or false. Even those theories that seem to be completely refuted serve an important purpose by the arguments used therein. A perfect example of this lies in Social Contract Theory, as presented by John Rawls and others. Social contract theory presents the belief that morality is an agreement made amongst humanity. Each of us has, by being part of society, “signed” this unwritten contract that compels us to behave in a certain way. Those who violate the contract are shunned by society in some way, while those who abide by it gain the benefits of being an accepted member. This is not to imply that morality is entirely relative; moral codes are changed only when there is some significant event that actually affects society itself in some way. Instead, Rawls presents the idea that the code we agreed to abide by should be created by an impartial observer operating from what he terms the Original Position. This perspective is that of a person who has no perception of their own place in society. They have no idea of their gender, economic...
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...Social Contract Theory of John Locke Shannon Roundtree June 23, 2014 Patricia DeAngelis Differences of the Social Contract Theories There were three critical thinkers who played a major role in creating the concept of the social contract theory. The overall concept of this theory was to see how individuals could survive in a world regulated by laws and government. Each of these individuals had different perspectives on the state of nature. Thomas Hobbes’ view was that man was fearful and selfish. He believed that man desired a sense of security and order. If man wanted to have a sense of self-preservation and protection, they needed to enter into a social contract and surrender their rights and freedom. In other words, a government was created to regulate their lives. Thomas Hobbes also believed that individuals were free to take whatever they wanted and be greedy, and resolve disputes with war. John Locke’s view was different than Thomas Hobbes as he believed no individual has any power over the next and everyone has the freedom to do what they want. John Locke also believed that if an individual committed a crime, they needed to be punished. Jean-Jacques Rousseau believed that the government should adhere to the freedom of all individuals, but with constraints. His views were that individuals could not be free in modern society like they could be in a state of nature if property and laws existed. Key Principles of John Locke’s Social Contract Theory John Locke viewed...
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...Social Contract Theory of John Locke Luca D. Iaria University of Phoenix CJA 532/ Ethics in Justice and Security Professor: Cyril Vierra January 25, 2015 John Locke was a British Philosopher born in 1632. His most famous written work was The second treatise of civil government (written in 1690). This book focused on the natural state of man and how government should be structured. Locke was a fan of man to say the least. Locke describes man in his writing’s as being inherently good natured. Locke goes on to explain that man in a state of nature is peaceful. Locke contested that man should challenge authority by using self reason to search for the truth. He said that man shouldn’t just expect the opinion of the authority or be subject to superstition. By man choosing to use reason he can then find the truth and challenge the legitimate functions of institutions hence optimizing human flourishing for the individual and the society. Locke explains that without the establishment of a common political authority, man will remain in a state of nature. This is a clear example of how Locke felt about man and how he viewed them as a whole. Lock stated “All men in their natural state are in a state of perfect freedom (Locke, 1690).” The positive side of Locke's anti-authoritarianism is that he believes that using reason to try to grasp the truth, and determining the legitimate functions of institutions will optimize human flourishing for the individual and society both in respect...
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...The Social Contract Theory of John Locke Paper University of phoenix Finance and Budgeting in Justice and Security AJS/532 Matthew O’Deane November 20, 2013 The Social Contract Theory of John Locke Paper My paper evaluates the Social Contract Theory of John Locke, and how his principles are even within the criminal justice system, and private security situations nowadays. This paper shall also in great detail debate whether or not Locke’s’ values and beliefs pertain to criminal justice as well as private security venues. A summary will be presented to identify key dissimilarities of the social contract theories, recognize key any principles connected with Locke’s social contract theory, label how these codes are instilled within the United States Bill of Rights, recognize how these principles show within the criminal justice system and security organizations of present, and lastly define independence in regards to personal rights and proper principles, and commitments. “A social contract is a voluntary agreement in which mutual benefit occurs between and for individuals, groups, government or a community as a whole. According to Locke, the State of Nature, the natural condition of mankind, is a state of perfect and complete liberty to conduct one's life as one best sees fit, free from the interference of others (Kelly, Martin. (2012)).” This doesn’t mean that it is a state of authorization: a citizen isn’t...
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...Conflict Theory vs. Social Theory Introduction Society has come to determine that social behavior is a direct result of an outside source. There are several different theories that could determine why a person acts or reacts in the manor that they do. This paper will address two of those theories; conflict theory and social theory. Conflict theory, would suggest that behavior is a reaction to the social order around them, where social theory would suggest that abstract sources are the cause of behavior. The writer of this paper will also provide examples to support the findings of these theories and evaluations of the effects of these theories. Comparison of Conflict Theory to Social Theory Conflict theory states that there is a social order that society follows. This order determines what social class you are in and what economic class you’re in. The theory was derived by Karl Marx. He believed that the greatest power came from those who had the “greatest political, economic, and social resources” (about education, 2014) “According to conflict theory, inequality exists because those in control of a disproportionate share of society’s resources actively defend their advantages. The masses are not bound to society by their shared values, but by coercion at the hands of those in power” (about education, 2014) Conflict also suggest that it is all about power and control. “Conflict emerges between groups attempting to exercise control over particular situations...
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...Unlike the vast majority of English words the definition of moral philosophy is immensely disputed upon. The only agreeable definition, by Socrates, is vague in its explanation. There are however, numerous competing theories which seek to better explain what it means to live morally. The Social Contract Theory, developed in the seventeenth century, is one such theory. Although unique in its explanation, the theory ultimately lacks in its overall evaluation. Philosopher Thomas Hobbes’s argued in favor for the theory saying morality should be defined as “the solution to a practical problem that arises for self-interested human beings” (Rachels, EMP, 83). The problem he is referring to is a society without government institutions also known as “the state of nature”. Hobbes believed the state of nature would be undesirable for everyone because all humans have the same needs. There are basic needs...
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...1748, he states his justification against the social contract theory called, “Of The Original Contract”. The social contract theory has two main claims. First, it states that the government and its people have entered a mutual contract with each other. Secondly, . In the end, Hume’s criticism that involves the theory, “Of The Original Contract” will be elucidated. The social contract theory showcases two different ideas of consent. Moreover, the two ideas are presented as actual and express consent. This fortifies the difference in how someone consents such as agreeing on terms through verbal agreement or non-verbal. Non-verbal express consent can show how one government has the...
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...The Social Contract The Age of Enlightenment was a period of reason, discovery, and knowledge. In the 17th century, Europe created a movement that supported personal intellect, skepticism, and individualism. People resisted traditional notions and set out to think for themselves and develop new ways of interpreting life. In this new age of reason, society’s origin was questioned and this resulted in a new philosophy. The Social Contract is a theory that explains the relationship between individuals and authority. There are many different viewpoints on how this theoretical contract originated and how it should be upheld. New enlightened thinkers Thomas Hobbes, John Lock, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau publically shared their views on the Social Contract. The Leviathan, published in 1651, was the first written work to argue certain interpretations of a social contract. Thomas Hobbes used this publication to explain to the world why an absolute government was necessary for the advancement of civilization and individualism. According to Hobbes, before laws and government were established, men existed in a “state of nature”. The hypothetical state of nature describes the condition in which people lived before a civil society. Hobbes believed that this state was full of chaos, fear, and self-reliance. Men were free to do as they pleased and there was no order to ensure their protection. In order to maintain a beneficial society, men would have to surrender their rights and freedoms to...
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...can live according to biblical justice in whatever society where in, things won’t be as difficult as they are. The christian perspective on justice goes along with biblical justice, when being a christian we should be gentle and kind, more understanding, merciful and helpful. A christian is to do things the way God intended on them to be done or by living how Jesus lived. The way that I would connect a Christian perspective of Justice to a philosophical understanding of justice would be through the three philosophical views of justice. The three philosophical views of justice are Utilitarian, Contract, and Entitlement. Utilitarianism is a theory based on the principle that "actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness, wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness." Mill defines happiness as pleasure and the absence of pain. I believe that this theory can help us from a christian standpoint. As christians are job is to help people as Jesus helped us. There are alot of people in the world that are in some type of bondage whether it be mental, physical, or emotional. God is a just God, he...
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...John Locke and Thomas Hobbes developed their political theories at a time of political, religious and social upheaval in England. Both Locke and Hobbes shared the enlightenment view of the world. Their scientific understanding of cause and effect shaped their views not just of physical objects and how they interacted, but also of people and how they interacted in society. Both men wrote their own theories of Social Contract; they share several similarities, but differ in the responsibilities and rights of the State. According to Hobbes, prior to the Social Contract, man lived in the State of Nature. Man lived in a chaotic condition of selfishness and constant fear. Man has a desire for order and security, so man entered into a contract to...
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...Social contract theory is a philosophical account of the origins of the state and the relationship between the individual and the state. It refers to an agreement between individuals, in which they abandon a part of their freedom (or natural rights) in exchange for laws guaranteeing an organized society. The concept of a social contract appears early in the writings of Plato; nevertheless, the major theorists of this concept are credited to Thomas Hobbes, John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. This essay will assess the meaning of the social contract through an analysis of their theories. Hobbes describes his conception of the social contract in his book Leviathan whereby he begins describing an account of men in the state of nature. In this state, men strive for power, are relatively equal and fight for scare resources (Wolff 2006). Therefore, from theses assumption of equality, scarcity and uncertainty, Hobbes theorized the creation of a state, which could ensure peace and security by commanding people (M.Rosen and J.Wolff 1999). That is why the social contract should be a “contract of submission”, which means that the only way to maintain the security is to completely submit to a sovereign authority. This contract is characterised by two fundamental features, which are a complete submission and an absolute power (J.Hampton 2013). Hobbes argues, only a powerful sovereign can maintain social stability: “Without the sword, contracts are only words" (Leviathan 1651). The result...
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...Corporate Social Responsibility by Your Name name of the module module number word count =1,519 Tutor/Professor Name University Name Department 16th December 2010 Corporate Social Responsibility Corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports provide stakeholders with valuable information about the relationship between a given corporation and society; additionally these reports may serve as a public relations vehicle. CSR reports improve communication between a corporation and its local constituents as well as the greater society. CSR reports and accounting data combine to offer investors and other stakeholders a larger picture of a corporation’s strategy and financial condition. By merging the two, stakeholders have a better understanding of how a corporation’s social initiatives improve its overall health. For example, when energy conservation programs allow a corporation to cut spending costs and cause the development of a new product while at the same time increasing jobs the CSR report acts as a financial statement and a public image enhancer. CSR reports provide information that is valuable for different reasons to different people. Employees and prospective employees can decide which companies they want to work for based on safety information about the workplace contained in these reports. Corporate managers can use the reports to monitor how successful they are in attaining their stated goals. They can also examine the progress...
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...Assess the view that morality is a conventional agreement for our mutual advantage This is the argument of Social Contract Theory first put forward by Thomas Hobbes. This is the theory that people only act morally because it is mutually beneficial and that we humans by nature are selfish creatures. Those who disagree with Hobbes’s Social Contract theory may argue that since there is no historical evidence of there ever being such an agreement signed by humans then how can the theory be true. On top of this Humanity has always lived in social groups and therefore never had a time where Hobbes’s theory of how life would be if we did not have a ‘Social Contract’ has never been tested and is invalid. On the other hand, these people appear to have taken the idea of a Social Contract in a literal instead of metaphorical way. Hobbes never suggested that people ever actually sat down and negotiated a contract, instead he was simply theorising what life for humanity would be like if all our laws and morals were stripped away he simply claimed that if we lived in a world without laws or morals that groups of humans would make agreements with others to make life easier for all parties. Another claim that may be made by those who disagree with Hobbes is that, if we are selfish and did not actively agree to follow this contract then surely we have no obligation to follow it? Although it is to our advantage for everyone else to be moral but if you were to gain an advantage from breaking...
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