John Rawls

• what are Rawl's views on human nature?


  • humans are rational and capable of ethical reasoning
  • motivated by a sense of justice and self-interest
• Marxist counter to Rawls' views on human nature:

  1. Argue that Rawls' focus on distributive justice fails to address the structural inequalities inherent in capitalism
• Libertarian counterpoint to Rawls' views on human nature:

  1. Critique Rawls' principles for being overly prescriptive about how society should be structured, undermining individual freedom
• anarchist counter to Rawls' views on human nature:

  1. suggest that Rawls' ideas do not go far enough in dismantling hierarchical structures that limit true freedom.
• What are Rawls' views on society?


  • based on equality and fairness
  • social and economic inequalities are arranged to benefit the least advantaged
• New Right counter to Rawls' views on society:

  1. May critique Rawls for promoting a level of equality that undermines individual success and responsibility
• what are Rawls' views on the state?

  • constitutional democracy that ensures the protection of individual rights and social justice.
  • checks and balances and separation of powers to prevent tyranny
• anarchist counter on Rawls' views on the state:

  1. Argue that any form of state is inherently oppressive and should be abolished.
• republicanism counter to Rawls' views on the state:

  1. Emphasizes civic virtue and participation, arguing Rawls' model is too focused on individual rights at the expense of communal responsibilities
• New Right counter to Rawls' views on the state:

  1. May argue that a robust state undermines individual freedoms and should be minimised.
• What are Rawls' views on the economy?


  • supports a regulated economy that promotes fair distribution of resources and opportunities.
  • He argues that economic inequalities are permissible only if they benefit the least advantaged, aligning with the principle of equality of opportunity.
• Neo-liberal counter to Rawls' views on the economy:

  1. argue that free markets are the best path to prosperity for all, rejecting Rawls’ regulated approach
• marxist counter to Rawls' views on the economy:

  1. Critique the notion of permissible inequalities, arguing for the abolition of class distinctions entirely.
• socialist counter to Rawls' views on the economy:

  1. Would argue that economic systems should be completely decentralised and communal
• what are Rawls' views on property?


  • property should be viewed as a social institution that must be regulated to promote the common good
• individualistic anarchist counter to Rawls' views on property:

  1. argue that property rights should prioritise individual autonomy without consideration for collective obligation
• New Right counter to Rawls' views on property:

  1. property rights undermine personal responsibility and the value of self-reliance
• marxist counter to Rawls' views on property:

  1. Argue that property should be viewed through the lens of class struggle, not individual merit.
• what are Rawls' views on freedom?

  • defines freedom in terms of justice as fairness, where individuals have equal access to liberties and opportunities.
  • He supports both negative and positive freedom, emphasising that true freedom requires addressing social inequalities through institutional arrangements.
• classic liberal counter to Rawls' views on freedom:

  1. argue that Rawls' approach emphasises too much on societal structure and not enough on individual liberty.
• Libertarian counter to Rawls' views on freedom:

  1. Critique Rawls for advocating state interventions that infringe upon personal freedoms
• anarchist criticism of Rawls' views on freedom:

  1. Argue that freedom cannot be achieved in a structured society that imposes rules and regulation
• what is Rawls' famous work?


  theory of justice
• where can we see evidence of Rawls' views?

  1. Affirmative Action Policies (US): Designed toaddress inequalities and promote opportunities for disadvantaged groups, reflecting Rawls' focus on justice for the least advantaged.
• where can we see evidence of Rawls' views?

  1. Universal Healthcare Initiatives: Aim to provide equal access to medical services, aligning with Rawls' principles of fairness and equality
• where can we see evidence of Rawls' views?

  1. Minimum Wage Laws (US and UK)*: Designed to ensure a basic standard of living for all workers, supporting Rawls' view on equality and justice.