The Proper Implementation of the Contract Theory - Essay Example

Discussion of Contract Theory Contact theory is concerned with the view that achievement of order in the society and harmony among people and systems of the society is through a constant social agreement that is in the best interest of the makers of the agreement. It argues that the basic rights of the society are formed on the basis of an agreement between the members of the society. The originators of this theory are: Plato, John Locke and John Rawls. Plato argues that when individuals act in unacceptable way, they are likely to face consequences for their actions from the society.

To avoid consequences, we make an agreement with other people in the society by denouncing the unacceptable ways and practice doing the acceptable things. Contract theory lays emphasis on the need for justice in the society. For a peaceful coexistence and satisfaction of basic needs people should seek to have a contract where they exchange goods and services. John Locke had the view that the ethical pre-political state of the society is assured by a divinely ordered natural commandment. John Rawls’ Theory of Justice argued that a group of rational and unbiased individuals will create a beneficial principle of justice as the basis for regulation of all duties, power, rights, and wealth.

Social contract theory plays the role of setting up rules that govern behaviors that are acceptable by all people in the society. Contract theory creates an orderly society and enhances cooperation in the production of social goods (Gauthier1990). For this to be possible everyone in the society should be involved in the contract. This will ensure that the life and property of the people in the society has been protected. Contract theory aims at removing the notion of utilitarianism or self-interest.

It argues that people follow the set rules for the advantage of the society as a whole. Contract theory has been applied by the Government in the form of a constitution. A constitution is a list of things that serve the society to enhance orderliness. The laws in the constitution are amended to accommodate the needs of the individuals in the society. I believe that the constitution ensures that politicians who refer themselves as public servants though they mostly follow their self-interests.

The purpose of the constitution is to keep the politicians in check. The constitution bars the politicians from overusing their powers (Gauthier 1990). The success of the Contract theory has been widespread and this has attracted critics as well. Feminists and race conscious philosophers have brought up arguments that seek to discredit the viability and substance of the contract theory. Feminism argues about the relationship between the contract and subordination of women to men, feminist arguments in regard to the nature of the liberal individual, and the care argument.

Racial conscious philosophers argue that people from the same race tend to consider themselves as human beings while those of a different race are considered as non-humans. Contract theory tries to justify why some actions, while creditable are taken to be supererogatory and not necessary morally. It also justifies when civil disobedience is acceptable and when it is not. Most Americans do not believe in the social concept theory as they think that the Government doesn’t pay attention to poverty.

Contract theory does not apply in various sectors like: environment protection, health care, housing, transport, jobs, security and socio-economic needs. This raises questions of the role of the Government in the society, the relation between persons and the society. This is because the society seems to differentiate individuals in terms of geographical location, religion, economic class, culture, race, and gender. This raises questions on the effectiveness of the contract theory as such differences can be a hindrance to individuals coming to an agreement to work together.

The aspects stated above may cause people to have different ideologies, attitudes, values, and may lead to social inequality. Individual differences hinder the proper implementation of the contract theory as they become stereotypical of others and are unable to come to an agreement which will lead to discrimination. .