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 54
... institutions and several principles for individuals are discussed and their meaning explained . Thus I am concerned for the present with only one aspect of the first part of the theory . Not until the next chapter do I take up the ...
... institutions and several principles for individuals are discussed and their meaning explained . Thus I am concerned for the present with only one aspect of the first part of the theory . Not until the next chapter do I take up the ...
Page 57
... institution itself being so . Similarly , an institution may be unjust although the social system as a whole is not . There is the possibility not only that single rules and institutions are not by themselves sufficiently im- portant ...
... institution itself being so . Similarly , an institution may be unjust although the social system as a whole is not . There is the possibility not only that single rules and institutions are not by themselves sufficiently im- portant ...
Page 59
... institutions are reasonably just , then it is of great importance that the authorities should be impartial and not influenced by personal , monetary , or other irrelevant considerations in their handling of particular cases . Formal ...
... institutions are reasonably just , then it is of great importance that the authorities should be impartial and not influenced by personal , monetary , or other irrelevant considerations in their handling of particular cases . Formal ...
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