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 213
... limits ) and for his fulfilling his interpretation of his moral and religious obligations . To restrain liberty of conscience at the boundary , however inexact , of the state's interest in public order is a limit derived from the ...
... limits ) and for his fulfilling his interpretation of his moral and religious obligations . To restrain liberty of conscience at the boundary , however inexact , of the state's interest in public order is a limit derived from the ...
Page 216
... limits actually drawn to toleration . For when the denial of liberty is justified by an appeal to public order as evidenced by common sense , it is always possible to urge that the limits have been drawn incorrectly , that experience ...
... limits actually drawn to toleration . For when the denial of liberty is justified by an appeal to public order as evidenced by common sense , it is always possible to urge that the limits have been drawn incorrectly , that experience ...
Page 228
... limit its application . The constitution may define a more or a less extensive freedom of participation ; it may allow ... limits on the extent of the principle of participation are assumed to fall equally upon everyone . For this reason ...
... limit its application . The constitution may define a more or a less extensive freedom of participation ; it may allow ... limits on the extent of the principle of participation are assumed to fall equally upon everyone . For this reason ...
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