John Rawls

Question 1

what is John Rawls known for in liberal thought

Answer 1

key modern liberal; defended foundational equality and justified state intervention

Question 2

what is John Rawls main work

Answer 2

A Theory of Justice (1971)

Question 3

when was the “A Theory of Justice” published

Answer 3

1971

Question 4

what are the two key aims of “A Theory of Justice”

Answer 4

• Reassert foundational equality: formal + social/ economic equality
• justify state intervention through redistribution consistent with liberalism

Question 5

how did Rawls justify wealth redistribution

Answer 5

believed it was necessary for a just society and consistent with liberalism - not socialism - via enabling state with public spending and progressive taxation

Question 6

what is the ‘original position’

Answer 6

a hypothetical scenario where individuals design a fair society from scratch, without knowing their future status in it

Question 7

what is the ‘veil of ignorance’

Answer 7

a condition where individuals have no knowledge of their future identity (e.g. race, class), encouraging fair societal choices

Question 8

how did Rawls think human nature influences justice

Answer 8

humans are rational and empathetic; under fair conditions, they’d choose a society where the poorest are better off

Question 9

what kind of society did Rawls believe rational individuals would choose

Answer 9

a ‘fairer’ one with reduced inequalities and improved conditions for the poor

Question 10

did Rawls support total economic equality

Answer 10

no - he supported improving the poorest’s condition but not necessarily narrowing the gap between rich and poor, distinguishing him from socialism

Question 11

Rawls views on society

Answer 11

• Theory of Justice: advocated for a fair society through principles chosen behind a “veil of ignorance”
• Veil of ignorance: hypothetical scenario where individuals design society without knowing their own status - ensures fairness
• Two principles of Justice:
  1. equal basic liberties for all (e.g., freedom of speech, religion)
  2. social and economic inequalities must benefit the least well-off (different principle)

Question 12

Rawls views on the economy

Answer 12

• Theory of Justice: advocates for a fair distribution of wealth and opportunities
• Veil of Ignorance: economic structures should be chosen as if one didn’t know their social position
• rejects laissez-faire capitalism: too much inequality, lacks fairness
• supports a property-owning democracy: broad distribution of wealth, not just welfare
• welfare state = insufficient: redistribution of wealth, not just welfare
• justice > efficiency: economic policy must prioritise justice over market outcomes

Question 12

Rawls views on the state

Answer 12

• liberal philosopher - focused on justice and fairness
• state role: ensure justice as fairness through equal basic liberties and equal opportunities
• veil of ignorance: hypothetical social contract - people design a just society without knowing their status in it
• support for minimal but active state - should intervene to correct inequalities (especially opportunity)
• difference principle: inequality is acceptable only if it benefits the least-well off
• opposes laissez-faire capitalism - advocates a regulated market economy
• supports welfare state - state must provide a safety net to ensure fairness

Question 13

Rawls views on human nature

Answer 13

• humans are rational and reasonable
• also self-interested
• capable of empathy and fairness when unaware of personal advantage
• in the original position, behind a veil of ignorance, people would choose fair principles
• believed in the potential for moral development and justice as fairness