The ethics of justice - The theory of justice of Rawls

12 important questions on The ethics of justice - The theory of justice of Rawls

What are the two conditions under what principles a group of persons would choose?

-Original position after a veil of ignorance.
-Self-interested rationality

Why is there identity of interest?

Since social cooperation generates benefits for all on top of benefits achieved if they would not cooperate.

Why is there a conflict of interest?

Because any person wants to obtain the largest share possible of the benefits created by cooperation.
  • Higher grades + faster learning
  • Never study anything twice
  • 100% sure, 100% understanding
Discover Study Smart

What is the idea of the original position?

To set up a fair procedure so that any princples to assign rights and distribute benefits agreed upon in this situation will be just.

Why should we take any interest in the normative principles derived from the original position? (Rawls)

- It seems reasonable that no person should be advantaged or disadvantaged by natural fortune or social circumstances in the choice of principles.
- It seems reasonable to suppose that the persons in the original position are equal. All have the same rights in the procedure for choosing principles.
- All persons should agree with the principles.

Primary social goods

Social goods that every rational man is presumed to want.

What are the principles of justice?

1. The principle of equal liberty.
2a. The difference principle.
2b. The principe of fair equality of opportunity.

When is the difference principle perfectly satisfied?

Where the least advantaged receive the maximum primary social goods. The distribution of primary social goods is compatible with Pareto optimality.

What is the principle of fair equality of opportunity?

Assuming that there is a distribution of natural assets, those who are at the same level of ability and talent, and have the same willingness to use them, should have the same prospects of success regardless of their initial place in the social system.

What are the defenses of the principles of justice?

- The principle will be rational in the eyes of the persons in the original position.
- The principles of justice reflect considerations of the principle of redress.
- The difference principle is in accordance with reciprocity.
- The difference principle provides an interpretation of another meaning of the principle of fraternity.

(Rawls) The market system may be consistent with equal liberties and fair equality of opportunity if it is backed by four types of government brnaches. Which branches?

- Allocative branch
- Stabilisation branch
- Transfer branch
- Distribution branch

What are the 8 principles of justice among people?

1. People are free and independent.
2. People are to observe treaties and undertakings.
3. People are equal and are parties to the agreements that bind them.
4. People are to observe a duty of non-intervention.
5. People have right of self-defense.
6. People are to honour human rights.
7. People are to observe certain specified restrictions in the conduct of war.
8. People have a duty to assist other people living under favourable conditions that prevent their having a just or decent political and social regime.

The question on the page originate from the summary of the following study material:

  • A unique study and practice tool
  • Never study anything twice again
  • Get the grades you hope for
  • 100% sure, 100% understanding
Remember faster, study better. Scientifically proven.
Trustpilot Logo