Introduction

Question 1

ideal theory

Answer 1

studies the pursuit of ideal principles and values that should guide society towards moral ends.

Question 2

non-ideal theory

Answer 2

argues that ideal theories cannot apply to actual societies and that pragmatic considerations are essential

Question 3

why does rawls think social justice is important 3

Answer 3

1. its important to create a reasonable utopia that accepts the world as it is but strives to make it better
2. to uncover moral understanding and compatibility- even if there are varying ideologies its important to dig deeper to the cores of our beliefs
3. to reconsider our purpose of our institutions and reconsider them

Question 4

realism

Answer 4

the pursuit of ideal justice is unmoored from reality’s, and makes us misunderstand the nature of politics. therefore we should begin with real politics and aim for good outcomes rather than beginning with moralism and then applying it to real politics.

Question 5

why should we have ideal theory? 3

Answer 5

1. to guide society towards moral ends
2. to figure out why a certain characteristic would be ideal
3. to determine what values are more important than others
4. to determine what is morally at stake in political decisions