Single Idea 20537

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / B. Nature of a State / 2. State Legitimacy / c. Social contract]

Full Idea

A common objection to Rawls is that hypothetical contracts, unlike real ones, have no binding force.

Gist of Idea

Hypothetical contracts have no binding force

Source

Adam Swift (Political Philosophy (3rd ed) [2014], 1 'Rawls')

Book Reference

Swift,Adam: 'Political Philosophy (3rd edn)' [Polity 2014], p.29


A Reaction

[I think Dworkin made this point] 'Contract' may be metaphorical. Perhaps it is just an 'initial agreement' or a 'working arrangement',