Social contract from "summary" of A Theory of Justice, Revised Edition by John Rawls,Professor John Rawls
The concept of the social contract is at the heart of political philosophy, providing a theoretical framework for understanding the relationship between individuals and society. In this framework, individuals agree to live together in a society based on certain principles and rules that govern their interactions with one another. This agreement is not made explicitly or formally, but rather is understood as the implicit foundation of a just society. The social contract serves as the basis for a just society, as it establishes the principles that guide the distribution of rights and responsibilities among individuals. These principles are based on the idea of fairness and equality, ensuring that all members of society are treated with respect and dignity. By agreeing to abide by these principles, individuals create a sense of social cooperation and mutual obligation that underpins a just society. One of the key aspects of the social contract is the idea of the original position, in which individuals are placed behind a veil of ignorance that prevents them from knowing their own circumstances or interests. This veil of ignorance forces individuals to consider the perspective of others and to make decisions that are fair and impartial, leading to the establishment of principles that are just for all members of society. The social contract also addresses the concept of distributive justice, which concerns the fair distribution of resources and opportunities within society. By agreeing to the principles of justice that govern the social contract, individuals commit to ensuring that resources are distributed in a way that is fair and equitable, taking into account the needs and interests of all members of society.- The social contract provides a theoretical framework for understanding the relationship between individuals and society, based on principles of fairness and equality. By agreeing to abide by these principles, individuals create a sense of social cooperation and mutual obligation that underpins a just society.
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