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 143
... rational decision in the ordinary sense . The concept of rationality invoked here , with the exception of one essential feature , is the standard one familiar in social theory.14 Thus in the usual way , a rational person is thought to ...
... rational decision in the ordinary sense . The concept of rationality invoked here , with the exception of one essential feature , is the standard one familiar in social theory.14 Thus in the usual way , a rational person is thought to ...
Page 417
... rational plan for a person is the one ( among those consistent with the counting principles and other principles of rational choice once these are established ) which he would choose with deliberative rationality . It is the plan that ...
... rational plan for a person is the one ( among those consistent with the counting principles and other principles of rational choice once these are established ) which he would choose with deliberative rationality . It is the plan that ...
Page 422
... rational person may regret his pursuing a subjectively rational plan , but not because he thinks his choice is in any way open to criticism . For he does what seems best at the time , and if his beliefs later prove to be mistaken with ...
... rational person may regret his pursuing a subjectively rational plan , but not because he thinks his choice is in any way open to criticism . For he does what seems best at the time , and if his beliefs later prove to be mistaken with ...
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