Coconote
AI notes
AI voice & video notes
Try for free
⚖️
Exploring John Rawls' Justice Theory
May 14, 2025
John Rawls' Theory of Distributive Justice
Overview
John Rawls: Influential political philosopher.
Known for: 'A Theory of Justice' – landmark book in distributive justice.
Central Idea
Essence of justice: Fairness.
Justice principles: Accepted by free and rational persons in an initial position of equality.
Social Contract Tradition
Influenced by: Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Immanuel Kant.
Thought Experiment: Original Position
Original Position
:
Imaginary scenario (not an actual or feasible position).
Helps identify principles of justice agreed upon in fairness.
Veil of Ignorance
:
Participants lack knowledge of their own place in society (class, abilities, race, etc.).
Ensures fair agreement on social arrangements without bias.
Principles Agreed in Original Position
Equal Rights Principle
(Political Justice):
Equal rights to extensive basic liberties (e.g., free speech, religion).
Liberties extend until they infringe on others' rights.
Second Principle of Justice
(Socioeconomic Matters):
Social/economic inequalities:
Arranged to be to everyone’s advantage.
Attached to open positions and offices.
Difference Principle
Concept
:
Inequalities justified if they benefit the least advantaged.
Implications
:
Requires redistribution to favor the least well-off.
Encourages socioeconomic arrangements that maximize benefits for the least advantaged.
Economic Models Illustrating the Difference Principle
Free Market Economy
:
No enforced equality or redistributions.
Results in significant wealth inequality.
Equal Redistribution
:
Everyone has the same wealth.
Results in economic stagnation due to lack of incentives.
Partial Redistribution
:
Some wealth redistributed from rich to poor.
Maintains incentives while enhancing welfare for the least well-off.
Conclusion
Rawls’ Principle
:
Advocates for a balance between incentives and fair distribution to help the least advantaged.
Next Steps
Explore contrasting views: Robert Nozick in the next lecture.
📄
Full transcript