John Rawls

• What is Rawls trying to do?

  Rawls aims to develop a conception of justice based on social contract theories.
• What is his main goal?

  His main goal is to establish principles of justice for the basic structure of society.
• What's the point of the Original Position?

  It's a hypothetical scenario where individuals decide on principles of justice.
• What's the point of the Veil of Ignorance?

  It ensures fairness by preventing knowledge of personal circumstances.
• How does Rawls ensure fairness?

  Rawls proposes principles agreed upon by rational individuals behind the veil of ignorance.
• Why would freedom of religion (understood in USA) be implied by Rawls' approach?

  It aligns with the principle of equal basic liberties, including freedom of conscience and thought.
• What is your self-interest in the original position?

  Self-interest lies in choosing principles of justice that would benefit you regardless of personal circumstances.
• What are some examples of inequalities in society that are to everyone's advantage?

  Inequalities in wealth, and authority can benefit society if they improve the situation of the least advantaged.
• Equal liberty principle?

  Equal access to the basic human needs rights, and liberties
• Equal liberty principle?

  Rights of each person are compatible with those of others
• Difference Principle?

  Fair equality of opportunity
• Difference Principle?

  Equal distribution of economic inequalities
• Original Position?


  A thought experiment
• Original Position?


  Individuals are made to choose what principles should structure society
• Veil of Ignorance?


  An unbiased position
• veil of ignorance?


  Not influenced by gender, race, social status, etc.
• Theory of justice?


  every individual is valuable
• Theory of Justice?


  Justice as fairness