Contractarianism holds that moral duties arise from what source?

• A. Moral duty comes from behaving respectfully and cooperatively within society and it depends on agreement, civility, and social contracts - animals can't always find a place in this framework
• B. Moral duty arises from divine command
• C. Moral duties are universal and not contingent on agreement
• D. Moral duties aim to maximize overall welfare for all beings

Answer: (A)

Contractarianism says that moral duties come from the agreements rational beings would make to live together and cooperate. The rules we owe others are those we would consent to in a social contract because they make cooperation feasible, stable, and mutually beneficial. Since duties stem from mutual agreement, they depend on what is chosen within the social framework rather than being commanded by a higher authority or lying apart from human consent. This view also explains why beings unable to participate in the contract, like many animals, may not be included in the same set of moral duties within this framework. In short, moral duties arise from social cooperation arranged through mutual agreement.