THE SOCIAL
(Two People)


Moving from the assumption of human nature, the social contract theorist now considers how two self-interested and rational individuals interact.

sc2.gif (52753 bytes)
  1. Because both individuals are hedonistic or self-interested, when resources are scarce, they will be led into conflict with one another--each wishing to acquire and accumulate resources, even at the expense of the other.
       
  2. However, because these individuals are rational, they can consider what is really in their self-interest during times of conflict.  They will realize that although their freedom is a good worth keeping, a degree of security and cooperation is also necessary for a happy life.  Such security is only possible if both individuals agree to restrict their freedom--to promise not to hurt or threaten others.  Thus, the reason of both individuals leads them to make rational promises with one another, and creates peace.

Climb up to Step 3...