Contact Theory and Morality in International Relations.
Abstract
This dissertation seeks a grounding in contract theory for international moral rules. After a preliminary discussion of contract theory, I examine the approaches of Hobbes and Rawls, and try to extend them to include international obligations. I argue that Hobbes, and those who follow him closely, are caught in a dilemma. If the laws of nature apply between states, then states fo not provide us with adequate security and it is rational to work toward government. And this is incompatible with much of what Hobbes has to say. Otherwise, the laws of nature (and hence for Hobbes, the rules of morality) fo not apply between states. While this would be no embarrassment for a REALIst, it is nonetheless at odds with Hobbes's explicit assertions to the contrary. Rawl's approach fares far better, even though it relies on thicker normative assumptions to begin with. I reconstruct a Rawlsian justification of international morality, and defend it against criticism.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA281823
Entities
People
- Joseph C. Ficarrotta
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology