25. Rawl's A Theory of Justice

Question 1

What was Rawl’s view of the social contract?

Answer 1

Those principles of justice are right that would be chosen by free, rational, self-interested agents in a condition of equality

Question 2

What was Rawl’s view on the state of nature?

Answer 2

Doesn’t exist, but the social contract is still valid

Question 3

What is the “original position”

Answer 3

A hypothetical committee of instrumentally rational, mutually disinterested people propose principles for a just society

Question 4

What are the conditions for the original position?

Answer 4

Veil of ignorance: no one has any knowledge about others or themselves and will not know where they would land under a proposed system

Question 5

What are the conclusions of the original position?

Answer 5

Maximum equal political liberty and just inequality

Question 6

What is just inequality?

Answer 6

Inequalities are just if they are open to all and benefit all

Question 7

What is the difference principle?

Answer 7

Remove inequalities to the point where more removal would harm the least advantaged

Question 8

What is the maximin rule?

Answer 8

Choose the option whose worst case is better than the other options’ worst cases

Question 9

What is Rawl’s position regarding justice and moral arbitrariness?

Answer 9

No one deserves what is morally arbitrary

Question 10

What is Rawl’s principle of fairness?

Answer 10

Those who voluntarily benefit from a cooperative scheme in which others have accepted restrictions or disadvantages owe a similar obligation