Psychology

We learned in earlier discussions that according to Aristotle and Bentham, 
one’s happiness was the highest goal. Enter social contract. How does one ensure 
one’s self-interest when one has to compromise with another to achieve the goal? 
David Gauthier proposes that it is possible, offering the Prisoner’s Dilemma as 
an example.

According to the story of the Prisoner’s Dilemma, two people have been 
brought in for questioning, conducted separately, about a crime they are 
suspected to have committed. The police have solid evidence of a lesser crime 
that they committed, but need confessions in order to convict them on more 
serious charges. Each prisoner is told that if she cooperates with the police by 
informing on the other prisoner, then she will be rewarded by receiving a 
relatively light sentence of one year in prison, whereas her cohort will go to 
prison for ten years. If they both remain silent, then there will be no such 
rewards, and they can each expect to receive moderate sentences of two years. 
And if they both cooperate with police by informing on each other, then the 
police will have enough to send each to prison for five years. The dilemma then 
is this: in order to serve her own interests as well as possible, each prisoner 
reasons that no matter what the other does she is better off cooperating with 
the police by confessing. Each reasons: “If she confesses, then I should 
confess, thereby being sentenced to five years instead of ten. And if she does 
not confess, then I should confess, thereby being sentenced to one year instead 
of two. So, no matter what she does, I should confess.” The problem is that when 
each reason this way, they each confess, and each goes to prison for five years. 
However, had they each remained silent, thereby cooperating with each other 
rather than with the police, they would have spent only two years in prison.

(Note: For additional information, you can read more about Gauthier by 
copying the URL into your internet browser. 
(http://www.iep.utm.edu/soc-cont/#SH2a). It will take you to the Internet 
Encyclopedia of Philosophy. The link takes you to the beginning of a great 
article on social contract. The outline at the beginning shows that the 
discussion on Gauthier and the Prisoner’s Dilemma is in the middle of the 
article, in the “More Recent Theories” section, following Rawls. Gauthier 
comments on the idea that the Prisoner’s Dilemma shows that it is in an 
individual’s best interest to cooperate, even when it means that they will give 
up some individual freedom.)

addressing the following questions: in 800 words with references 

  1. Consider the concepts of utilitarianism, egoism, and social contract. What 
    would be the correct action for each prisoner according to each theory? How 
    would social contract apply? Would it produce the desired result?
  2. From your experience, is cooperation always in your best interest? Can you 
    share an example. Alternatively, to state it negatively, why do selfish, 
    self-centered people seem to prosper if cooperation is always in their best 
    interest?
Fountain Essays
Calculate your paper price
Pages (550 words)
Approximate price: -

Why Work with Us

Top Quality and Well-Researched Papers

We always make sure that writers follow all your instructions precisely. You can choose your academic level: high school, college/university or professional, and we will assign a writer who has a respective degree.

Professional and Experienced Academic Writers

We have a team of professional writers with experience in academic and business writing. Many are native speakers and able to perform any task for which you need help.

Free Unlimited Revisions

If you think we missed something, send your order for a free revision. You have 10 days to submit the order for review after you have received the final document. You can do this yourself after logging into your personal account or by contacting our support.

Prompt Delivery and 100% Money-Back-Guarantee

All papers are always delivered on time. In case we need more time to master your paper, we may contact you regarding the deadline extension. In case you cannot provide us with more time, a 100% refund is guaranteed.

Original & Confidential

We use several writing tools checks to ensure that all documents you receive are free from plagiarism. Our editors carefully review all quotations in the text. We also promise maximum confidentiality in all of our services.

24/7 Customer Support

Our support agents are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week and committed to providing you with the best customer experience. Get in touch whenever you need any assistance.

Try it now!

Calculate the price of your order

Total price:
$0.00

How it works?

Follow these simple steps to get your paper done

Place your order

Fill in the order form and provide all details of your assignment.

Proceed with the payment

Choose the payment system that suits you most.

Receive the final file

Once your paper is ready, we will email it to you.

Our Services

No need to work on your paper at night. Sleep tight, we will cover your back. We offer all kinds of writing services.

Essays

Essay Writing Service

No matter what kind of academic paper you need and how urgent you need it, you are welcome to choose your academic level and the type of your paper at an affordable price. We take care of all your paper needs and give a 24/7 customer care support system.

Admissions

Admission Essays & Business Writing Help

An admission essay is an essay or other written statement by a candidate, often a potential student enrolling in a college, university, or graduate school. You can be rest assurred that through our service we will write the best admission essay for you.

Reviews

Editing Support

Our academic writers and editors make the necessary changes to your paper so that it is polished. We also format your document by correctly quoting the sources and creating reference lists in the formats APA, Harvard, MLA, Chicago / Turabian.

Reviews

Revision Support

If you think your paper could be improved, you can request a review. In this case, your paper will be checked by the writer or assigned to an editor. You can use this option as many times as you see fit. This is free because we want you to be completely satisfied with the service offered.