Question

Explain the prisoners’ dilemma in relation to Hobbes’ social contract theory. Be sure to explain why a government or enforcer is needed, and be sure to explain the role of rational self-interest in the formation of a contract. Be sure to explain BOTH the prisoners’ dilemma and Hobbes’ theory including the state of nature. 10. Explain how social contract theory differs from cultural relativism. Also explain how the two theories would handle cases of the civil disobedience of some minority group (race, gender, economic, etc).

Answer 1

Hobbes believed that the life of individuals in the state of nature was isolated from each other, people were very narrowminded, self-interested and poor. According to him a government enforcer or leadership is required promote the feeling of being a society.According to him, a structure is needed that can organize people into groups or civil society.This, however, does not mean that the state will always work towards the benefit of society.To him, any kind of state is favorable as opposed to no state at all. Even a dictatorial or repressive state will do as in the absence of a state there will be anarchy.

Cultural relativism refers to not judging a culture to our own standards of what is right or wrong, strange or normal. Instead, we should try to understand cultural practices of other groups in its own cultural context. For example, in some cultures, fasting is done without taking water or food. Instead of thinking that it is an absurd practice we should understand that it has some relevance from that culture's point of view. Cultural relativism would see the cases of civil disobedience of minority groups from the viewpoint of those minority groups whereas Social contract theory will behave like a state that feels that its code of law has been broken and people need to be punished.