Which of the following concepts emphasizes cooperation despite underlying doubts?

The Abilene Paradox is a concept that illustrates a situation where a group of people collectively decides on a course of action that none of them individually actually prefers. This often occurs due to a desire to avoid conflict or an assumption that others in the group have different preferences. Individuals may suppress their own opinions and go along with the group, leading to an outcome that reflects a consensus rather than true agreement.

The essence of the Abilene Paradox lies in its focus on cooperation despite private doubts or differing opinions. This concept highlights the importance of open communication and understanding the perspectives of others in a group setting to prevent decisions that do not align with the interests of its members.

In contrast, other options like Social Contract Theory, Utilitarianism, and Deontological Ethics explore different aspects of morality and decision-making but do not specifically address the phenomenon of group members cooperating while harboring personal disagreements. Thus, the correct choice clearly aligns with the idea of a paradoxical agreement among individuals who may not actually see eye to eye.