Fair equality of opportunity from "summary" of A Theory of Justice, Revised Edition by John Rawls,Professor John Rawls
Fair equality of opportunity is a key principle in the distribution of social goods and opportunities within a just society. This principle emphasizes the need for individuals to have a fair chance to compete for positions and opportunities based on their abilities and efforts, rather than arbitrary factors such as social background or inherited wealth. In order to achieve fair equality of opportunity, it is necessary to ensure that all individuals have access to the basic goods and services that are essential for developing their talents and abilities. This includes access to education, healthcare, and other resources that are necessary for individuals to fully participate in society and pursue their goals. Furthermore, fair equality of opportunity requires that individuals are not unfairly disadvantaged by factors outside of their control. This means that discrimination based on race, gender, or other irrelevant characteristics should be eliminated in order to ensure that individuals are judged based on their merits and abilities rather than superficial characteristics. Additionally, fair equality of opportunity also requires that individuals have the freedom to choose their own life paths and pursue their own conceptions of the good. This means that individuals should have the opportunity to pursue their own goals and aspirations without interference from others, as long as they do not harm or infringe upon the rights of others.- Fair equality of opportunity is a fundamental principle in the quest for a just society, as it ensures that individuals are able to compete on a level playing field and pursue their own goals and aspirations without unfair barriers or obstacles. By upholding this principle, society can ensure that all individuals have the chance to develop their talents and abilities to the fullest extent possible, leading to a more just and equitable society for all.
