Rawls 1.0

What is the central question of political obligation?

When is a person obligated to follow the laws of the state she lives in?

What gives a state the authority to legislate to its citizens?

Consent through a social contract formed by the people.

What is Social Contract Theory?

The idea that political authority arises from individuals consenting to laws via a mutual agreement on behavior.

Why did Hobbes believe civil society was necessary?

To escape the state of nature, which he described as a war of all against all.

What is the Leviathan in Hobbes' theory?

A government with total power to enforce laws, necessary to avoid the chaos of the state of nature.

What does Rawls aim to explain with “Justice as Fairness”?

How primary goods should be distributed in a just society.

What are primary goods according to Rawls?

Rights, liberties, power, opportunities, income, and wealth—useful for achieving various goals.

What makes a distribution of primary goods fair in Rawls' view?

If everyone would agree to it under a social contract.

What is the Original Position?

A hypothetical scenario where individuals decide principles of justice behind a veil of ignorance.

What is the veil of ignorance?

A condition where individuals are unaware of their personal traits, forcing impartial decision-making.

What principle guides rational agents in the Original Position?

The Maximin principle—choose the society where the least advantaged are as well-off as possible.

What is the Liberty Principle?

Each person should have the most extensive basic liberty compatible with similar liberty for others.

What is the Difference Principle?

Inequalities must benefit everyone and be tied to positions open to all.

Which principle has priority: Liberty or Difference?

The Liberty Principle has priority over the Difference Principle.

What does the Difference Principle say about wealth and privilege?

They must be structured to benefit the least well-off in society.