John Rawls's Theory of Justice and Fairness

John Rawls's Theory of Justice

Emphasizes justice as the primary virtue of a well-ordered society, focusing on fair distribution of primary goods and principles of justice as fairness.

Justice as Fairness

Posits a society of free citizens with equal basic rights working cooperatively in an egalitarian economic system, ensuring fair cooperation to all citizens.

Negative Thesis

Argues that individuals do not deserve their social status at birth, natural abilities, gender, or race, clarifying preconditions for social goods distribution.

Original Position

A hypothetical scenario where individuals, behind a 'veil of ignorance,' make impartial decisions on principles of justice without knowledge of their personal attributes.

Veil of Ignorance

Concept ensuring impartial decision-making by preventing individuals from knowing their social status, attributes, or economic position, focusing on universal fairness.

Maximin Rule

Under the Veil of Ignorance, individuals apply this rule to maximize the well-being of the least fortunate in society when selecting laws and resource allocations.

Principle of Equal Liberty

Proposed by Rawls, ensures everyone has an equal right to basic liberties, including political freedoms, freedom of speech, and equality before the law.

Individual Rights

Rawls criticizes utilitarianism for potentially sacrificing ______________ for the greater good, advocating for a fair distribution of goods and respect for each person's moral worth.

Principles of Justice

Rawls proposes two main principles: Principle of Equal Liberty and the principle that all inequalities must benefit all citizens, especially those with the least advantages.

Strains of Commitment

Acceptance of chosen principles of justice once the veil of ignorance is lifted, creating motivations for individuals to adhere to these principles.

Principle of Fair Equality of Opportunity

Social and economic inequalities are permissible only if they benefit the least advantaged members of society and are attached to positions open to all under fair conditions.

Difference Principle

Inequalities are justified only if they result in compensating benefits for the least advantaged.

Least Advantaged Individuals

The socioeconomically lower class, who have limited access to healthcare, education, and income, considered the most vulnerable in Rawls's Chain Connection system.

Social Contract Theory

To guarantee liberty and economic justice, the first principle must be satisfied before the second and third, assuming parties operate under a veil of ignorance.

Utilitarianism

Rawls's theory opposes ______________for failing to account for fairness and individual rights, emphasizing respect for every individual's rights and dignity.

Chain Connection

Rawls's concept where a system's strength is measured by its weakest link, advocating for uplifting the neediest to elevate overall societal well-being.

Close-Knitness

Assumption in Rawls's theory that changes to one social position affect others, emphasizing the dynamic relationships among different positions.

Libertarianism and Egalitarianism

Rawls's theory combines these elements, prioritizing individual liberty while advocating for equal rights and opportunities for everyone.