John Rawls Flashcards

1
Q

dates

A

1921-2002

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2
Q

his importance

A

American philosopher

key thinker of modern liberalism in 20th century

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3
Q

work

A

A Theory of Justice 1971

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4
Q

foundational equality

A

people shouldn’t just have formal equality under the law and constitution but also foundational (economic+social)

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5
Q

why was foundational equality necessary

A

ensure a society where lives could be ‘rich’ and ‘fulfilled’

could only happen with redistribution of wealth= extensive public spending+progressive taxation

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6
Q

what did Rawls set out in his book a theory of justice in regards to redistribution of wealth

A

wasn’t a surrender to socialism (what Von Hayek said)

it was consistent wi liberal principles

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7
Q

what were the philosophical positions Rawls said needed to be created in order for redistribution of wealth

A

‘original position’- people asked to make a new society better than the current one + decide how wealth and power is distributed
‘veil of ignorance’ - people don’t know who will be in this society

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8
Q

what was the point in Rawls philosophical positions

A

when faced with them, humans (being rational+empathetic) would choose to make the poor people better of than they are in the current society

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9
Q

what was the key point of Rawls ‘new society’

A

the fairer society would be the one that individuals choose

so higher taxation+wealth redistribution+enlarged state is in line with government by consent

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10
Q

why is Rawls theory different to socialism

A

wants to improve lives of poor

doesn’t mention wanting to close gap between rich and poor

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11
Q

why would it be the states role in improve the lives of the poor

A

what still want individual liberty+self fulfillment

would mean inequalities of outcome

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12
Q

human nature summary

A

selfish yet empathetic

value individual liberty+plight

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13
Q

the state summary

A

enable less fortunate to advance

public spending+public services

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14
Q

society summary

A

individual would choose a society which would better lives of the poor

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15
Q

economy summary

A

free market should be tempered by state to help poorest

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