Single Idea 4273

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / B. Contract Ethics / 1. Contractarianism]

Full Idea

We can see the Kantian 'Moral Law' as consisting precisely in those rules which rational beings would accept, when attempting to live by agreement.

Gist of Idea

Kant's Moral Law is the rules rational beings would accept when trying to live by agreement

Source

Roger Scruton (Animal Rights and Wrongs [1996], p.30)

Book Reference

Scruton,Roger: 'Animal Rights and Wrongs' [Demos 1996], p.30


A Reaction

If this combines Kantian notions of duty with the obligations of contracts, it is the core of a very powerful moral theory. See the work of Tim Scanlon. Classic problems are still the weak, animals and free riders.