John Rawls

What is a summary of his view on human nature?

Mankind is selfish yet empathetic, valuing both individual liberty and the plight of those around them

What is a summary of his view on the state?

The state should enable less fortunate individuals to advance, via public spending and public services

What is a summary of his view on society?

The society most individuals would choose would be one where the condition of the poorest improved

What is a summary of his view on the economy?

Free-market capitalism should be tempered by state’s obligation to advance its poorest citizens

What are his dates?

1921-2002

What is his most famous publication?

A theory of justice (1971)

What are the two principle objectives of a theory of justice?

- to restate idea of foundational equality meant indivs required not just formal equality under law and constitution but also greater social and economic equality
- set out to show that such redistribution of wealth wasn’t surrender to socialism but consisten with liberal principles

Why did he argue that foundational equality need formal, social and economic equality?

To ensure just society, where all lives could be rich and fulfilled

How could foundational equality be provided?

By significant redistribution of wealth via an enabling state with extensive public spending and progressive taxation

What did he deny about his view on society?

Denied it was simply a fresh justification for socialism and egalitarianism

What didn’t he argue about society?

That the gap between richest and poorest should necessarily be narrowed - thus ensuring his philosophy still distinct from socialism

What is he thought to be?

Most important modern thinker of liberalism