Week 5 - Rawls Flashcards
What is the ‘original position’ in Rawls’ theory of justice?
A hypothetical scenario where rational individuals choose principles of justice behind a ‘veil of ignorance,’ ensuring fairness by preventing knowledge of personal circumstances.
What is the ‘veil of ignorance’ and why is it important?
It is a thought experiment where decision-makers do not know their social status, talents, or conception of the good, ensuring impartiality in selecting principles of justice.
What are the two principles of justice proposed by Rawls?
1) Equal basic liberties for all.
2) Social and economic inequalities must benefit the least advantaged (Difference Principle) and be attached to positions open to all (Fair Equality of Opportunity).
What is the Difference Principle?
It states that inequalities in wealth and income are just only if they improve the well-being of the least advantaged members of society.
How does Rawls’ theory differ from utilitarianism?
Utilitarianism focuses on maximizing overall happiness, while Rawls prioritizes fairness and ensuring that social institutions benefit the least advantaged.
What is ‘pure procedural justice’ in Rawls’ framework?
Justice results from a fair procedure; if the principles are chosen fairly (as in the original position), the resulting distribution is just.
What are the ‘circumstances of justice’ according to Rawls?
Conditions where cooperation is both necessary and beneficial due to moderate scarcity and individuals’ competing claims to resources.
Why does Rawls reject principles based on self-interest or egoism?
Because in the original position, rational individuals would not agree to rules that favor specific individuals or groups at the expense of fairness.
What role does reflective equilibrium play in Rawls’ theory?
It is a method of adjusting principles and judgments until they align in a coherent and justifiable moral framework.
How does Rawls address justice between generations?
He suggests that decision-makers in the original position must consider future generations, ensuring fairness over time.
