Key Thinker- John Rawls (1921-2002) Flashcards
Who was John Rawls, and why is he significant in liberal philosophy?
John Rawls was an American philosopher and is considered the most important exponent of modern liberalism in the twentieth century. His major work, A Theory of Justice (1971), remains a key reference for liberal thought.
What was the first principal objective of Rawls’ A Theory of Justice?
Rawls aimed to restate the idea that the core liberal principle of “foundational equality” meant individuals required not just formal equality under the law and constitution, but also greater social and economic equality. This, he argued, was necessary to ensure a just society where all lives could be rich and fulfilled.
How did Rawls believe greater social and economic equality could be achieved?
Rawls argued that greater equality could only be achieved through a significant redistribution of wealth via an enabling state, which would involve extensive public spending and progressive taxation.
What was the second principal objective of Rawls’ A Theory of Justice?
Rawls set out to show that the redistribution of wealth was not a “surrender to socialism” but was consistent with liberal principles. He developed philosophical conditions like the “original position” and the “veil of ignorance” to support this argument.
What is the “original position” in Rawls’ theory?
The “original position” is a thought experiment where individuals are asked to construct a society from scratch, considering how wealth and power should be distributed to create a just society superior to the one they currently live in.
What is the “veil of ignorance” in Rawls’ theory?
The “veil of ignorance” is a condition where individuals designing a new society would have no preconceptions about their own status, wealth, or background in that society, ensuring decisions are made fairly and without bias.
What did Rawls believe human nature would choose under the “original position” and “veil of ignorance”?
Rawls argued that human nature, being rational and empathetic, would lead individuals to choose a society where the poorest members fared significantly better than in the current society, thus supporting wealth redistribution.
How did Rawls reconcile wealth redistribution with liberal principles?
Rawls argued that a “fairer” society with reduced inequalities would be the one individuals would choose under fair conditions, making an enlarged state with higher taxation and wealth redistribution consistent with liberalism’s historic emphasis on government by consent.
How did Rawls differentiate his ideas from socialism?
Rawls denied that his philosophy was a justification for socialism, noting that while individuals would choose to improve the lot of the poorest, they would still desire significant individual liberty and inequalities of outcome, ensuring his ideas remained distinct from socialism.
