Final answer:
Social contract theory posits that morality is objective despite being a human invention because it is based on the idea of a social contract. Individuals voluntarily agree to follow certain moral rules in order to live in a functioning society and receive its benefits. The objective nature of morality in social contract theory comes from the fact that the rules are agreed upon collectively and serve the purpose of maintaining social order and harmony.
Step-by-step explanation:
Social contract theory posits that morality is objective despite being a human invention because it is based on the idea of a social contract. According to this theory, individuals voluntarily agree to follow certain moral rules in order to live in a functioning society and receive the benefits it provides, such as security and education. The objective nature of morality in social contract theory comes from the fact that the rules are agreed upon collectively and serve the purpose of maintaining social order and harmony.
For example, consider the moral rule of not stealing. This rule is not based on personal feelings or subjective opinions but is universally accepted as a necessary principle for the functioning of society. In this way, morality in social contract theory is objective because it is grounded in shared values and serves the larger goal of creating a just and well-ordered society.