A Theory of JusticeSince it appeared in 1971, John Rawls's A Theory of Justice has become a classic. The author has now revised the original edition to clear up a number of difficulties he and others have found in the original book. Rawls aims to express an essential part of the common core of the democratic tradition--justice as fairness--and to provide an alternative to utilitarianism, which had dominated the Anglo-Saxon tradition of political thought since the nineteenth century. Rawls substitutes the ideal of the social contract as a more satisfactory account of the basic rights and liberties of citizens as free and equal persons. "Each person," writes Rawls, "possesses an inviolability founded on justice that even the welfare of society as a whole cannot override." Advancing the ideas of Rousseau, Kant, Emerson, and Lincoln, Rawls's theory is as powerful today as it was when first published. |
From inside the book
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Page 16
... advantages won by social cooperation ; they apply to the relations among several persons or groups . The word " contract " suggests this plurality as well as the condition that the appropriate division of advantages must be in ...
... advantages won by social cooperation ; they apply to the relations among several persons or groups . The word " contract " suggests this plurality as well as the condition that the appropriate division of advantages must be in ...
Page 103
... advantages have been gained in ways that improve B's prospects . If A were not allowed his better position , B would be even worse off than he is . The diffi- culty is to show that A has no grounds for complaint . Perhaps he is required ...
... advantages have been gained in ways that improve B's prospects . If A were not allowed his better position , B would be even worse off than he is . The diffi- culty is to show that A has no grounds for complaint . Perhaps he is required ...
Page 105
... advantages un- less this is to the benefit of others who are less well off . The family , in its ideal conception and often in practice , is one place where the principle of maximizing the sum of advantages is rejected . Mem- bers of a ...
... advantages un- less this is to the benefit of others who are less well off . The family , in its ideal conception and often in practice , is one place where the principle of maximizing the sum of advantages is rejected . Mem- bers of a ...
Contents
JUSTICE AS FAIRNESS | 3 |
The Subject of Justice | 7 |
The Main Idea of the Theory of Justice | 11 |
Copyright | |
86 other sections not shown
Common terms and phrases
accept advantages aims apply argument arrangements assume assumptions basic structure ciples circumstances citizens civil disobedience claims conception of justice considered judgments constitution constraints contract doctrine course defined definition desire difference principle discussion distribution economic effective efficiency ends envy equal liberty ethical example expectations express fact favored feelings further greater H. L. A. Hart human idea ideal individuals inequalities initial situation injustice institutions interests interpretation intuitionism intuitive justice as fairness justified least less limits maximize means ments natural duty notion one's original position particular parties philosophical point of view political precepts preferences principle of fairness principle of utility principles of justice problem procedural justice question rational plan reason recognized reflective equilibrium regulated relevant rules scheme seems sense of justice standpoint suppose theory of justice things tion unjust utilitarian veil of ignorance W. G. Runciman well-ordered society