Rawlsian theory from "summary" of A Theory of Justice, Revised Edition by John Rawls,Professor John Rawls
John Rawls' theory proposes a hypothetical social contract, where individuals come together to establish the principles of justice that will govern their society. This contract is formed behind a veil of ignorance, where individuals are unaware of their own circumstances, such as their social status, wealth, or talents. This veil of ignorance ensures that individuals are impartial and rational when deciding on the principles of justice that will guide their society. The principles of justice that individuals would select behind the veil of ignorance are the two principles of justice. The first principle states that each person has an equal right to the most extensive basic liberty compatible with a similar liberty for others. This principle ensures that individuals have fundamental rights and freedoms that cannot be infringed upon by others. The second principle involves principles of equality and fairness. It includes a principle of fair equality of opportunity and a principle that social and economic inequalities are arranged to benefit the least advantaged members of society. Rawls argues that these principles would be chosen by rational individuals behind the veil of ignorance because they provide a fair and just framework for society. By ensuring that individuals do not know their own circumstances, the veil of ignorance guarantees that the principles of justice chosen are impartial and unbiased. These principles aim to create a just society where individuals have equal rights and opportunities, and where inequalities are only permitted if they benefit everyone, particularly the most disadvantaged members of society. Rawls' theory has been influential in the field of political philosophy and has sparked debates about the nature of justice and the role of principles in governing society. By presenting a thought experiment that focuses on fairness and equality, Rawls provides a compelling argument for the importance of justice in shaping our social and political institutions. Through his theory, Rawls challenges us to consider what principles of justice we would choose if we did not know our own place in society, and how these principles can create a more just and equitable world.
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