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Single Idea 4116

[from 'Ethics and the Limits of Philosophy' by Bernard Williams, in 23. Ethics / B. Contract Ethics / 5. Free Rider ]

Full Idea

A particular weakness of the contractual theory is that it is unstable with respect to a superior agent, one more intelligent and resourceful and persuasive than the rest.

Clarification

'Contractual' theories see morality as mutual back-scratching

Gist of Idea

A weakness of contractual theories is the position of a person of superior ability and power

Source

Bernard Williams (Ethics and the Limits of Philosophy [1985], Ch. 3)

Book Reference

Williams,Bernard: 'Ethics and the Limits of Philosophy' [Fontana 1985], p.31


A Reaction

The very weak are equally a problem. Democratic societies produce fewer inequalities. Hierarchical societies are miserable (I expect..).