The Nature of Agreements

Abstract

AbstractThis chapter first presents, and then solves, six puzzles by reference to a joint commitment account of everyday agreements. The first five puzzles concern claim-rights, which are generally agreed to be a central kind of right. After elaborating a particular understanding of what a claim-right amounts to, it presents these puzzles. The sixth puzzle concerns joint (also known as shared, or collective) intention. The chapter then argues that given a particular, plausible understanding of everyday agreements, each of the puzzles is solved. According to this understanding, the core of an agreement is a joint decision of the parties, and, in terms that are explained, a joint decision is a joint commitment to endorse as a body a certain plan of action. Authors discussed include David Hume on promises and Michael Bratman on joint intention.