Moral duty from "summary" of A Theory of Justice, Revised Edition by John Rawls,Professor John Rawls
In the realm of moral philosophy, individuals are often thought to have certain obligations or responsibilities towards others. These responsibilities are often characterized as moral duties, which are principles that guide individuals in how they ought to act towards others in society. Moral duties are considered to be binding on individuals, meaning that they have a duty to fulfill them regardless of their own personal preferences or desires. John Rawls, in his seminal work "A Theory of Justice," delves into the concept of moral duty within the framework of his theory of justice. Rawls argues that individuals have a moral duty to act in accordance with principles of justice that would be chosen by individuals in a hypothetical situation of equality, known as the original position. In this original position, individuals are behind a veil of ignorance, unaware of their own characteristics and circumstances, and must choose principles of justice that would be fair and impartial. According to Rawls, individuals in the original position would choose principles of justice that prioritize the well-being of the least advantaged members of society. This is known as the difference principle, which states that social and economic inequalities should be arranged so that they are to the greatest benefit of the least advantaged members of society. Rawls argues that individuals have a moral duty to uphold these principles of justice in their interactions with others, as they represent the fairest and most just way of organizing society.- Moral duty, as outlined by Rawls, is the obligation individuals have to act in accordance with principles of justice that would be chosen in a state of equality and impartiality. This duty requires individuals to prioritize the well-being of the least advantaged members of society and to work towards creating a more just and equitable society for all. By fulfilling their moral duty, individuals contribute to the overall fairness and justice of society as a whole.
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