In last class, we discussed Socrates and Plato’s Republic book II. In the republic there are three types of good. First, which Kant is going to agree with is to do good for it self and not for the consequences. Second, is good for itself and good for the consequences, which is what Socrates is going to fight for. And last, not doing good for itself but only for its consequences, which is what Glaucon agrees with.
Glaucon says, “Justice is only good for its consequences.” Everyone wishes to do what he or she pleases. No one wants to suffer from others doing as they please. This is saying that every person must take responsibility for themselves and not each person take responsibility for the whole. The social contract wants to fix this by saying if we minimize freedom we will minimize the suffering from other’s freedom. The downfall to this is that if one could do as they please without suffering from other’s freedom and punishment; then the people would not act justly.
The social contract theory is stating that people give up freedom to an authority in order to maintain order via abiding by the law. Rousseau believes those who do not follow the general will, will not be forced to be free. Hobbes thinks that there will be a war against all if we have no law. And Locke believes in complete individualism. That individuals should ask why is it in our interest to give up our natural freedom for the sake of the social order.
No comments:
Post a Comment