First, watch the Crash Course Philosophy #37: Contractarianism video
Second, read Chapter 4 in Matthews and Hendricks: WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME? ON EGOISM AND SOCIAL CONTRACT THEORY (https://press.rebus.community/intro-to-phil-ethics… to an external site.).
https://press.rebus.community/intro-to-phil-ethics… to an external site.
Third, prepare your Short Paper 4 (1-2 typed pages, full directions below) covering the following topics:
Why should we continue to follow moral rules in cases where following them would not in fact be in our personal best interest?
1. Describe in your own words these three schools of Ethics:
Psychological Egoism, Ethical Egoism, and Social Contract Theory
A. Name at least one philosopher that supports each of these schools.
B. For each school, be sure to explain at least one strength and one weakness.
2. Prisoner’s Dilemma
A. Summarize in your own words
B. Explain how it relates to Social Contract Theory
3. Conclude by telling me your honest opinion-
Why should we (or shouldn’t we) continue to follow moral rules in cases where following them would not in fact be in our personal best interest?