ABSTRACT
In The Libertarian Idea, Jan Narveson explains his interpretation of contract theory this way: The general idea of this theory is that the principles of morality are those principles for directing everyone's conduct which it is reasonable for everyone to accept. Narveson contends, as noted above, that the idea of social contract provides foundations for all of morality. The contractarian holds that the fundamental principles of morals are in some way the objects of an 'agreement', which in turn is the outcome of what is in some sense a 'bargain'. As portrayed by Narveson, the Social Contract is an 'agreement' only insofar as it is to be identified with the mutual restraint of several interacting persons, each of whom continues to act on behalf of their own selfinterest. As Hume pointed out in his Inquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals, 'the observance of promises is itself one of the most considerable parts of justice'.
