How does social contract theory relate to ethics?

Social contract theory is a pivotal concept in ethics that emphasizes the idea that moral and political obligations arise from an implicit agreement among individuals to form a society. This theory posits that individuals consent, either explicitly or implicitly, to surrender some of their freedoms and submit to the authority of a governing body in exchange for protection of their remaining rights. In essence, this mutual agreement helps to establish standards of behavior, which are seen as binding.

As such, option B is aligned with the fundamental premise of social contract theory because it defines the relationship between ethics and the agreements made by individuals as the basis for forming moral obligations. This framework helps to illuminate how collective reasoning and consensus can create a structure for ethical standards within a community.

The other options do not align with the principles of social contract theory. The notion that morality is inherently objective and unchanging reflects a different viewpoint that is not reflective of the contract's emphasis on individual and collective agreement. Reliance solely on religious texts for moral guidance suggests a divinely mandated system of ethics rather than one created through mutual consent among people. Lastly, claiming that ethical behavior is determined purely by individual desires negates the social aspect and communal responsibilities that are central to the social contract theory, which involves cooperation and shared norms rather