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. |
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Page 35
... claims , and so on . But I shall leave these matters aside . These characteristic episte- mological doctrines are not a necessary part of intuitionism as I understand it . Perhaps it would be better if we were to speak of in- tuitionism ...
... claims , and so on . But I shall leave these matters aside . These characteristic episte- mological doctrines are not a necessary part of intuitionism as I understand it . Perhaps it would be better if we were to speak of in- tuitionism ...
Page 135
... claims can be addressed ; reasoning successfully from these principles is conclusive . If we think in terms of the fully general theory which has principles for all the virtues , then such a theory specifies the totality of relevant ...
... claims can be addressed ; reasoning successfully from these principles is conclusive . If we think in terms of the fully general theory which has principles for all the virtues , then such a theory specifies the totality of relevant ...
Page 277
... claims of need and an appropriate standard of life . From the standpoint of the legislative stage it is rational to insure oneself and one's descendants against these contingencies of the market . Indeed , the difference principle ...
... claims of need and an appropriate standard of life . From the standpoint of the legislative stage it is rational to insure oneself and one's descendants against these contingencies of the market . Indeed , the difference principle ...
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