Final answer:
Public commitments are effective because they involve social accountability and pressure, leading to social conformity and the mitigation of collective action problems. They are rooted in our understanding of social contracts and the human need for moral rules that enable civilized social life. Thus, public commitments align individual actions with broader public interests, contributing to the social good.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question 'Why are public commitments so effective?' can be answered by understanding that public commitments are effective primarily because they involve social accountability and pressure. When individuals make commitments in the public sphere, they engage with a social network that allows for comparison to others and potentially receive emotional support that reinforces their commitment. Moreover, public commitments contribute to the common understanding, as seen in social contracts like those proposed by Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau, which underscore the need for collective actions, and create a platform where individuals can challenge their beliefs and prejudices.
Collective action problems, which can occur in small groups or larger communities, are often mitigated when commitments are made publicly because there is a power to monitor infractions and enforce consequences, ensuring adherence to the commitment. This is rooted in human behavior, which is partially predictable such that public responses often lead to conformity due to the visibility of actions. Thus, public commitments become tools of social cohesion, aligning individual actions with the broader public interests and creating an environment of accountability that benefits the group as a whole.
Moral rules, such as those governing promises and private property, are needed to facilitate civilized social life, and public commitments serve a similar function. They can be viewed as a means to reduce the effects of free riding and encourage contributions to the public good. In conclusion, public commitments are effective not only for the individuals making them but also for the collective well-being.