Random Notes
Contractarianism
- makes a distinction between the state of nature and the state of society, with the state of nature being conceived of as pre-political.
- Traditionally associated with libertarianism, democracy, and republicanism.
Definition:
? Each person participating in a practice, or affected by it, has an equal right to the most extensive liberty compatible with a like liberty for all; and second, inequalities are arbitrary unless it is reasonable to expect that they will work out for everyone’s advantage, and provide the positions and offices to which they attach, or from which they may be gained, or open to all.
Rawls believes that strength of his principles rests in the fundamental assumption of fairness as having primacy in any notion of justice.
CRITICISMS:
? rational self-interest is the foundation for the contract.
? reasoning autonomous agency is what counts in the original position, as well as the capacity for abstract consideration of the principles of equality of liberty and difference. This excludes many classes of persons as well non-human sentient beings.
Loyal Agent’s Argument
- Gulf had no reason to believe or suspect that the motive of the employee or officer involved in such use of corporate funds was anything other than a desire to act solely on what he considered to be the best interests of gulf and its shareholders.
- What they did was admittedly illegal, but they meant well. Had good intentions, namely, to further “the best interests of Gulf and its shareholders.”
- They would and do perform immoral and illegal actions with ...