Justice as Mutual Advantage

Abstract

Gauthier is a representative of a Hobbesian approach to contractarian theory. He shares Hobbes’ vision of mankind that man by nature and necessity is an appropriator. To appropriate is to acquire property. Exchange of property is the primary function of the market. Here the appropriators contract with one another to maximize their utility. Hence, within society the primary relationships among appropriators are contractual. The contractarian conception of social relationships and the appropriative conception of human activity are mutually supporting.