John Rawls - Key Thinker 5

Question 1

Rawls’ key work

Answer 1

A theory of justice - 1971

Question 2

Rawls’ use of ‘foundational equality’

Answer 2

Foundational equality = we are all born with equal entitlement
This meant equality under the law, the constitution but also greater social + economic equality

Rawls argued this was necessary to ensure a just society where all could reach self-actualisation (their full potential)

This could only be provided through redistribution of wealth via an ‘enabling state’, extensive public spending + progressive taxation

Question 3

Rawls’ philosophical experiment to show wealth redistribution was consistent with liberal principles.
2 key conditions:

Answer 3

1 - Original position:
Rawls envisioned individuals creating from scratch a society which they felt to be superior to their current one. He called this exercise ‘the original position’

2 - Veil of ignorance:
Where individuals would not know the sort of people they themselves may be in this new society.
E.g. they may be white / black, rich / poor, exceptional / average

Question 4

Results of Rawls’ philosophical experiments

Answer 4

When faced with such conditions, humans would always choose a society where the poorest members faired better than in modern day society

Key point = a fairer society

Inequalities would be reduced via higher state spending + taxation - most individuals would endorse.
Consistent with liberal value of ‘govern by consent’

Question 5

Rawls’ belief of the overall gap between rich and poor

Answer 5

Rawls argued that his views were simply a fresh justification of socialism and equality

Noted that although many would choose to improve the lives of the poorest, they still want to see a society where the talented + hardest workers are rewarded

Argued that while he wanted the state to improve the life of the poor, the gap between the rich and the poor would not be narrowed

Shows a clear difference between modern liberalism and socialism