m] 
| 1. | any of various theories that justify moral principles and political choices because they depend on a social contract involving certain ideal conditions, as lack of ignorance or uncertainty. |
| 2. | a general ethical theory that individuals make the right choices under a hypothetical social contract. |
con·trac·tar·i·an·ism  (kŏn'trāk-târ'ē-ə-nĭz'əm) n. Any of various theories that justify moral principles or political arrangements by appealing to a social contract that is voluntarily committed to under ideal conditions for such commitment. Also called contractualism. con'trac·tar'i·an adj., con'trac·tar'i·an·ist adj. |
| con·trac·tu·al·ism (kŏn-trāk'chōō-ə-lĭz'əm) n. See contractarianism. |