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
Results 1-3 of 70
Page 25
... things should be arranged so as to lead to the most good . It is essential to keep in mind that in a teleological theory the good is defined independently from the right . This means two things . First , the theory accounts for our ...
... things should be arranged so as to lead to the most good . It is essential to keep in mind that in a teleological theory the good is defined independently from the right . This means two things . First , the theory accounts for our ...
Page 341
... things equal " and " all things considered " ( and other related expressions ) indicate the extent to which a judgment is based upon the whole system of principles . A principle taken alone does not express a universal statement which ...
... things equal " and " all things considered " ( and other related expressions ) indicate the extent to which a judgment is based upon the whole system of principles . A principle taken alone does not express a universal statement which ...
Page 526
... thing . Grant and Lee were one in their desire to hold Richmond but this desire did not estab- lish community between them . Persons generally want similar sorts of things , liberty and opportunity , shelter and nourishment , yet these ...
... thing . Grant and Lee were one in their desire to hold Richmond but this desire did not estab- lish community between them . Persons generally want similar sorts of things , liberty and opportunity , shelter and nourishment , yet these ...
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