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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Common terms and phrases
accept advantage aims apply argument arrangements assume assumptions basic liberties basic structure circumstances citizens civil disobedience claims conception of justice considered judgments constitutional constraints contract doctrine course defined definition desire difference principle discussion distribution economic efficiency ends envy equal liberty ethical example expectations fact favored feelings further greater H. L. A. Hart human idea ideal individuals initial situation institutions interests interpretation intuitionism intuitive justice as fairness justified least less maximize means ments natural duty notion one's original position particular parties ples point of view political precepts preferences princi principle of fairness principle of utility principles of justice priority problem procedural justice question rational plan reason recognized reflective equilibrium regulated relevant rules scheme sense of justice standpoint suppose theory of justice things tion unjust utilitarian veil of ignorance W. G. Runciman Welfare Economics well-ordered society