John Rawls' Theory of Justice addresses social inequalities and defines a just society.
It combines ethics and politics, offering an ethical framework for distributive justice.
Key Concepts
Just Society: A society whose characteristics conform to normative rules agreed upon by all.
Inviolability of Individuals:
Every person has an inviolable right based on justice.
Rights secured by justice cannot be overridden for the welfare of the state.
Implications of Rawls' Theory
Individual Sacrifice:
Life should not be sacrificed for the majority (e.g., suppressing speech for economic growth is immoral).
Tolerable Injustice:
An unjust law is tolerable only to prevent greater injustices.
Example: incapacitating a serial killer to protect innocent lives.
Restrictions for Equality:
Individual liberties may be restricted to maintain equality of opportunity.
Example: limiting agricultural land ownership to ensure others can own land.
Principles of Justice
Rawls introduces two basic principles of justice as fairness:
Equal Liberty Principle:
Emphasizes equal access to basic human rights and liberties (e.g., voting, speech, assembly).
Difference Principle:
Focuses on fair equality of opportunity and equal distribution of socio-economic inequalities.
Social and economic positions should benefit everyone and be accessible to all.
Theoretical Framework
Veil of Ignorance:
A hypothetical situation where individuals do not know their identity (sex, race, abilities, etc.).
Encourages unbiased decision-making regarding social institutions.
Original Position:
Individuals in the original position choose rationally and prudently about social institutions, promoting justice.
Moral Contractarianism
Rawls' theory reflects a social contract where individuals adopt a generalized point of view, similar to a moral perspective.
If all individuals promote equality in the original position, justice as fairness is achieved.
Conclusion
Justice as fairness is realized through the original position and veil of ignorance, guiding individuals to create a just society detached from personal biases.