Principles of Justice and Fairness

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Questions and Answers

What is described as the first virtue of social institutions?

Justice (correct)

Welfare

Efficiency

Truth

What does justice deny according to the principles outlined?

The necessity of personal sacrifice for the greater good (correct)

The rights of equal citizenship

The validity of social contract theories

The importance of social cooperation

How does justice relate to the concept of social interests?

Justice allows for fluid interpretation based on social interests

Justice is determined by the majority opinion on social interests

Justice requires that individual rights be subordinate to social interests

Justice is not subject to political bargaining and must remain impartial (correct)

What notion does justice as fairness specifically aim to offer an alternative to?

Utilitarianism and intuitionism (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary for an injustice to be tolerable?

It is essential to avoid an even greater injustice (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the theory of justice as fairness replace in its concept?

The compact of society (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best represents the traditional conception of justice that justice as fairness seeks to elevate?

Social contract theory (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does justice not allow in a just society?

Political bargaining over rights (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary subject of justice?

The basic structure of society and its major institutions (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following examples is NOT considered a major social institution according to the text?

Individual choices of consumption (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant characteristic of the inequalities present in the basic structure of society?

They affect men’s initial chances in life and are pervasive (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest are the primary functions of the principles of social justice?

To provide guidance in the selection of a political constitution and economic system (D) Signup and view all the answers

The text states that it will primarily focus on what specific type of justice?

Social justice related to the basic structure of society (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of the inquiry on justice?

It does not consider the justice of the law of nations and relations between states (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the text imply about principles satisfactory for the basic structure of society?

They may require modifications for application in other cases (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT generally part of partial compliance theory?

The assessment of a perfectly just society (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the text imply about the relationship between the concepts of justice and the notions of efficiency, coordination and stability?

Conceptions of justice impact efficiency, coordination and stability (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the distributive role of justice and its broader implications?

The distributive role is useful but broader consequences must also be considered (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about attitudes and dispositions of persons regarding justice?

They can be evaluated as just or unjust (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the scope of the principles of justice examined?

Principles for a well-ordered society (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the text's reference to a 'closed' system?

A society that is isolated from other societies (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the text imply is the nature of justice as a virtue of institutions?

It is the most important virtue of institutions (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why is the basic structure of society the primary subject of justice?

Its impact is profound and determines initial life chances (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the principles of justice according to the text?

To regulate all further agreements and specify forms of cooperation and government. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the 'original position' in the concept of justice as fairness?

It serves as a hypothetical situation of equality designed to determine principles of justice. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What key element characterizes the 'veil of ignorance' in the original position?

Participants are unaware of their social status, natural assets, and personal conceptions of the good. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is the concept of fairness central to the idea of 'justice as fairness'?

Because the initial agreement of principles of justice happens in a fair environment. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the final step after choosing the principles of justice?

Creating a constitution and legislature in line with the chosen principles. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the hypothetical agreement in the context of 'justice as fairness'?

To create a general system of rules that free and equal persons would agree to under fair conditions. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between the concepts of justice and fairness as portrayed by the text?

Justice and fairness are not necessarily the same thing, as explained analogously with poetry and metaphor. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In 'justice as fairness,' how are individuals viewed when they enter the original position?

As rational beings capable of a sense of justice with their own ends. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic that makes the initial situation 'fair' in the phrase 'justice as fairness'?

The agreement process is carried out under the 'veil of ignorance' ensuring neutrality. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does the 'original position' relate to the traditional idea of the 'state of nature'?

It conceptually corresponds to the state of nature, but it is hypothetical. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean for a social situation to be considered just, according to the text?

It would have been achieved through a series of hypothetical agreements by free and equal individuals. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why is the choice of principles of justice considered so important?

Because the principles inform all subsequent actions and agreements within a society. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What specifically are the individuals in the original position supposed to decide together?

The principles to assign rights, duties and to determine the division of benefits. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key assumption regarding the way individuals engage in social cooperation in the described theory?

They are free, rational individuals concerned with furthering their own interests. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How are institutional reforms related to the principles of justice in this context?

Reforms are regulated by the same principles of justice agreed to in the initial situation. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aim of the contract approach in the context of justice principles?

To impose significant limitations on the accepted principles of justice using seemingly weak premises. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 'veil of ignorance' in the original position?

To ensure that no one is advantaged or disadvantaged when choosing the principles of justice. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary basis for equality among parties in the original position?

Their capacity to comprehend principles and their capacity to have a conception of the good. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'original position' meant to represent?

A hypothetical scenario to determine how to formulate the best principles of justice. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the restrictions imposed on arguments for principles of justice?

To make sure that no one is advantaged or disadvantaged when choosing principles. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of considered convictions in evaluating principles of justice?

To provide guidance in areas where our intuitive judgments are weak. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the parties in the initial situation regarding justice as fairness?

They are rational and mutually disinterested, not taking an interest in each other’s interests. (B) Signup and view all the answers

When evaluating the initial situation, what dual approach is used?

Starting with basic conditions and checking for acceptable justice principles, and seeing if those justice principles match convictions. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the 'contract' terminology in the context of moral theories, according to the text?

To convey the idea that the principles of justice are those that rational persons would choose. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of justice does the 'contract' phraseology emphasize, according to the text?

The idea that moral principles should be acceptable to all parties. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to say that we can 'enter the original position' at any time?

We can follow a certain procedure to theorize about justice. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of rationality primarily mean in the context of the initial situation, as per the content?

Using the most effective means to achieve given ends, as defined in economic theory. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the assumption that all parties in the original position are equal imply?

All parties have the same authority when deciding on principles of justice. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why does the text suggest that the principle of utility might not be adopted in an original situation of equality?

Because it could lead to some individuals having lesser life prospects for the greater good of others. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the author mean by saying the 'undertakings' in the contract are 'purely hypothetical'?

The principles are considered as if they would be agreed to in a defined situation. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the nature of the presumptions used in constructing the original position?

Widely accepted, basic, and natural, even though they're weak individually. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the first principle of justice that the text argues would be chosen in the initial situation?

Equality in basic rights and duties for everyone. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does the text define the relationship between the theory of justice and rational choice?

The theory of justice is a part of, or at least significantly related to, the theory of rational choice. (B) Signup and view all the answers

If discrepancies arise between the chosen principles and our considered convictions, what should we do?

Adjust either our account of the original position or our existing judgments. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does 'justice as fairness' not attempt to address?

The principles for all the virtues of an entire ethical system. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances are social and economic inequalities considered just?

When they lead to compensating benefits for everyone, particularly the least advantaged. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of the 'original position' aim to ensure?

That fundamental agreements are reached fairly. (B) Signup and view all the answers

When choosing principles of justice, what should be ruled out?

Principles that are rational to propose only with specific circumstances. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the fundamental intention behind the principles of justice according to the text?

To remove the influence of arbitrary factors such as natural talents and social backgrounds. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it considered desirable for one to not know their social status or natural attributes while considering principles of justice?

To eliminate any bias towards specific outcomes. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of determining which principles rational individuals in the 'original position' would choose, according to the text?

To rank conceptions of justice based on their acceptability. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does the text define a society that fulfills the principles of justice as fairness?

As close to a voluntary arrangement as possible, based on fair agreement. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate goal of the whole procedure, according to this text?

To have a means to understand and justify the ideas of justice that are shared by many. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the text mean when it says the members of a just society are 'autonomous'?

Their obligations are self-imposed, based on principles they would agree with. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why does the use of the term 'contract' have several advantages in the context of moral theory?

It connects to a long tradition of thought and expresses the idea that justice principles would be chosen by rational people. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What assumption does the text make regarding the spiritual aims of the parties in the initial situation?

Their spiritual aims may be opposed, like the aims of those with different religions. (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to the content provided, what do the parties in the original position have in common?

Each one has a general understanding of the good and a sense for justice. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is 'justice as fairness' not a complete contract theory?

It primarily focuses on justice rather than all virtues. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the author suggest is the next step if 'justice as fairness' is successful?

To study the more general view of 'rightness as fairness'. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the text's perspective on using the 'accidents of natural endowment' in society?

To be disregarded as an arbitrary factor that should not determine social and economic advantages. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a main task in developing the conception of justice as fairness, according to the content?

Determining which principles of justice would be agreed upon in the original position. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered within the scope of 'justice as fairness', according to the text?

The duties to animals. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about the willingness to cooperate in a well-ordered society?

That all members must be willing to cooperate, including the less advantaged. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the 'original position' as described in the text?

To serve as a fair initial situation for the choice of justice principles. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between contract theories and publicity?

Contract theories stress that political principles should be public. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What concept does the text associate with a well-ordered society?

The idea of reciprocity. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What are the specific factors that the text proposes are needed for rational decision making in a contractual situation?

Awareness of the beliefs, interests, relations of parties, their alternatives and procedures. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What two main elements constitute justice as fairness?

An initial situation that defines the problem of choice and a set of chosen principles. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest is the merit of the contract terminology?

To conceptualize justice as principles chosen by rational individuals. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why does the text argue against the idea of some having less so that others may prosper?

Because this situation, although expedient, is unjust. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is considered the essential requirement for equal justice?

Capacity for moral personality (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is implied about individuals who lack the capacity for moral personality?

They are regarded as abnormalities or defects (B) Signup and view all the answers

What potential consequence is highlighted when justice is withheld due to someone's lack of moral capacity?

A risk to just institutions (C) Signup and view all the answers

How is the capacity for moral personality viewed in the context of humanity as a whole?

It is a common attribute among the majority (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the text imply about social groups and the capacity for moral personality?

All social groups possess this capacity to some degree (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the two principles of justice, as initially presented?

The basic structure of society and distribution of advantages (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the first principle of justice?

Everyone is to have an equal claim to basic liberties. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key criterion for social and economic inequalities, according to the second principle?

They must be reasonably expected to benefit everyone and be attached to positions open to all. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why are the principles of justice presented in a serial order?

To establish that infringements of basic liberties cannot be justified by greater social and economic benefits. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a basic liberty under the first principle?

The right to own the means of production (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean for basic liberties to be 'equal'?

The extent of limitations of liberties should be the same for all citizens. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a basic liberty conflicts with another?

They can be limited and compromised in relation to each other. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the 'general conception of justice' and the two principles?

They are a more specific case of a broader conception. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of principles of justice in a society?

To assign rights and duties in social institutions (A) Signup and view all the answers

What are 'primary goods'?

Things that every rational individual is presumed to want. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which condition signifies that a society is well-ordered?

A public conception of justice is effective and understood by all (A) Signup and view all the answers

What could be considered 'injustice', according to the text?

Inequalities that do not benefit all members of society. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes between the concept of justice and the various conceptions of justice?

The concept of justice involves the role and functions of principles (D) Signup and view all the answers

What common problem arises from a lack of agreement on what is just?

Difficulty in coordinating individual plans (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is one aspect of the social system that the first principle applies to?

The aspects that define and secure equal basic liberties. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following explains how the second principle is first applied?

By keeping all positions open to all people, and then arranging social inequalities so all can benefit. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is necessary for a well-ordered society to function effectively?

Clear public institutions known to all (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of 'reflective equilibrium' primarily involve?

A process of adjusting our principles and considered judgments until they coincide. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why is the initial formulation of the two principles considered provisional?

They will be refined and specified more fully later on. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'civic friendship' refer to in the context of justice?

Shared norms that govern a society's principles of justice (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a freedom that is NOT considered basic and so not protected by the first principle?

Freedom of contract as understood by laissez-faire (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding social justice principles?

They help determine the fair distribution of benefits (A) Signup and view all the answers

The principles of justice proposed in the context of the 'original position' are:

Justified by their mutual support and coherence. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the vital functions of a public conception of justice in society?

To establish a common framework for adjudicating claims (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential aspect of the distribution of wealth and income, according to the second principle?

The distribution must be such that it is to everyone's advantage. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the 'original position' as described in the text?

To act as an expository tool, summing up the conditions of fairness. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is implied by the statement that societies are often not well-ordered?

Disputes regarding justice principles are common among members (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why is the agreement in the 'original position' considered hypothetical?

Because it is based on a set of conditions we can accept. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the rule of law and formal justice depend on?

The substantive justice of the institutions. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential outcome when rules in society do not provide a proper balance between competing claims?

Discontent and unrest among individuals (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does self-interest affect social cooperation in a community?

It complicates individuals' vigilance against each other (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the potential dangers of vague laws as described in the text?

They invite arbitrary decision-making. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the desire to follow rules impartially and the desire to recognize others’ rights, according to the text?

They are likely to be associated with each other. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of stability in the scheme of social cooperation?

It encourages the consistent execution of basic rules (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about the stability of reflective equilibrium?

It is a continuously evolving process and may be upset. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect does NOT contribute to a well-ordered society?

Each individual being indifferent to society's goals (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the text describe the intuitive notion of the original position?

As a way to envision our objective from afar when thinking about morality. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of 'arbitrary distinctions' imply within the framework of justice?

Distinctive treatment without fair reasoning is unjust (B) Signup and view all the answers

Unjust institutions are:

Rarely impartially or consistently administered. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the justification of a conception of justice according to the text?

It is based on the mutual support of many considerations. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the text imply about someone who upholds an unjust arrangement?

They are less likely to let principles of law interfere with their interests. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the 'original position' as an expository device?

To sum up the meaning of the conditions and their consequences. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What happens when principles and judgments are in order?

A condition of reflective equilibrium is reached. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why does the text not appeal to self-evidence in establishing the principles of justice?

Justice shouldn't be based on self-evidence, but many considerations. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What are the chief primary goods mentioned that society has at its disposition?

Rights and liberties, and income and wealth (D) Signup and view all the answers

In the hypothetical arrangement described, how are the social primary goods distributed?

Equally distributed among everyone (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the general conception of justice allow regarding inequalities?

It permits inequalities as long as they make everyone better off. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What must be the condition for individuals to consent to the forego of certain liberties?

The gains must outweigh the loss of fundamental rights. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How should the two principles of justice be applied?

In serial order, considering priorities. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the first principle of justice require regarding basic liberties?

They must apply equally and allow extensive liberty for all. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the second principle of justice imply about permissible inequalities?

Each person must benefit from the inequalities present. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which goods are categorized as natural goods, in contrast to social primary goods?

Health and vigor (A) Signup and view all the answers

How do individual expectations relate to the distribution of rights and duties?

They depend on the distribution within the basic structure. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which situation falls outside the scope of justice principles?

Allocating goods to specific individuals. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the principle of efficiency assert in the context of social arrangements?

A situation is efficient if no one can be made better off without disadvantaging others. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How is liberty defined within the context of the principles of justice?

As a pattern of social forms defined by public rules. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which interpretation of the second principle emphasizes careers being open to talents?

System of Natural Liberty (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of the lexical order of the two principles?

It prioritizes basic liberties over social and economic advantages. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested about the relationship between representative individuals in different social positions?

Raising one person's expectations affects the prospects of others. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is implied by the term 'Pareto optimality' in the discussion of efficiency?

A scenario where at least one individual benefits while no one is harmed. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does the principle of efficiency focus on within economic and social arrangements?

Improving overall conditions without disadvantaging anyone. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How many independent meanings does the second principle have according to the interpretations discussed?

Four (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the doctrine of natural liberty assume about the economy?

It is roughly a free market system. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which principle does the system of natural liberty invoke in relation to social structures?

Principle of efficiency (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which interpretation of the second principle is preferred in the context discussed?

Democratic Equality (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean for a distribution to be inefficient?

There are existing opportunities to enhance some individuals' circumstances without harming others. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the principle of efficiency from the traditional understanding of equity?

Efficiency emphasizes that no individual should be worse off due to improvements. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which interpretation of equality suggests that opportunities are fair and open to all individuals?

Liberal Equality (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which element is crucial for a just distribution, according to the doctrine discussed?

Career opportunities based on personal effort. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What role does the principle of efficiency play in the basic structure of society?

It evaluates the distribution of resources and responsibilities. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In which context is the principle of efficiency originally intended to apply?

Economic distributions among consumers. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant feature of the System of Natural Liberty in ethical discussions?

It focuses on procedural fairness in allocations. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why altruism might be limited to kin and small groups?

The inherent genetic basis of altruism favoring close relations. (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, what is the potential consequence of a society exhibiting a strong tendency towards supererogatory conduct in its relations with other societies?

Threat to its own cultural identity. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about the capacity to act from more universal forms of rational benevolence?

It is likely to be eliminated over time. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between the principles of justice and natural duty?

Justice governs relations between groups, while natural duty governs relations within groups. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What primary objective is the author trying to achieve by discussing the potential evolution of moral feelings?

To examine the feasibility and stability of the principles of justice. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the passage regarding the contract view?

To demonstrate the strengths and weaknesses of different conceptions of justice. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best captures the meaning of "equality as regularity" applied to public institutions?

The rules should be applied consistently and impartially. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the passage, why are animals considered to be outside the scope of the principles of justice?

Animals are not capable of moral reasoning. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes moral persons from other beings according to the text?

They have the ability to form a conception of their own good and a sense of justice. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the initial situation in determining who is owed equal justice?

It defines the criteria for deciding who has the capacity for moral personality. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why does the capacity for moral personality serve as a sufficient condition for being entitled to equal justice?

It demonstrates that individuals can understand and act according to the principles of justice. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the concept of natural rights is explained by the capacity for moral personality?

The inherent connection between natural rights and the principles of justice. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the term "natural" in the context of natural rights?

To highlight the contrast between rights defined by justice and those defined by social convention. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why does the author refrain from addressing whether moral personality is a necessary condition for equal justice?

The author believes that answering this question requires a more complex and elaborate theory. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Based on the text, which of these is NOT a characteristic of beings entitled to equal justice?

They possess a strong emotional attachment to their families and communities. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Justice as Fairness: Chapter Summaries

Justice as the First Virtue: Justice is the paramount virtue of social institutions, akin to truth in systems of thought. Unjust laws or institutions must be reformed or abolished, even if efficient. Individual rights are inviolable and cannot be overridden by societal benefits.
Social Cooperation and Conflict: Society is a cooperative venture for mutual benefit, but individuals seek larger shares. Principles of justice are needed to establish rights, duties, and distributive shares within this framework. A well-ordered society prioritizes justice, with common acceptance of principles and institutional compliance. Disagreement on justice is common, but a shared concept of justice guides social cooperation.
Subject of Social Justice: The basic structure of society—political constitution, economic and social arrangements—is the primary focus for principles of social justice. Initial social positions greatly impact life expectations, thus requiring principles to address these deep inequalities unaffected by merit or desert.
Limitations of Inquiry: The study focuses on social justice within the basic structure of a closed society (initially), assuming strict compliance. Separate considerations are needed for partial compliance (with injustice) such as punishment, just war theory, and strategies against unjust regimes. Ideal theory (perfect justice) forms the basis for understanding more practical problems.
Main Idea: Justice as Fairness: Justice as fairness generalizes the social contract theory. It posits a hypothetical "original position" characterized by equality, where individuals, rationally seeking their interests, would choose principles of justice. This original position (a hypothetical state of nature) operates behind a "veil of ignorance" to ensure impartiality.
Parties in the Original Position: Individuals in the original position are rational and mutually disinterested. They prioritize their own interests, but recognize the necessity of cooperation for mutual advantage. Rationality is interpreted in a narrow sense, focusing on effective means to ends, excluding controversial ethical elements.
Choice of Principles: Identifying principles chosen in the original position is crucial for clarifying justice as fairness. This process involves detailed descriptions and considerations of alternatives within parameters (e.g., the veil of ignorance). The aim is to align chosen principles with considered convictions about justice.
Reflective Equilibrium: Reaching reflective equilibrium involves iteratively refining the principles and amending judgments to achieve coherence. Principles chosen through the original position are evaluated against considered judgments to reach consistent outcomes.
Classical Utilitarianism: Utilitarianism (prioritized view) is incompatible with justice as fairness. Utilitarianism can justify sacrificing the well-being of some for a greater aggregate benefit, contradicting the idea of reciprocity and equality inherent in a just society.
Two Principles of Justice (Tentative): Two principles are proposed: (1) equal basic liberties for all, (2) social and economic inequalities are justified only if they benefit the least advantaged and are attached to positions open to all. Important liberties are explicitly mentioned (political, speech, assembly, conscience, personhood, property, etc.).
Interpretations of the Second Principle: Different interpretations of the second principle exist. The key interpretations include System of Natural Liberty, Liberal Equality, and Democratic Equality (prioritized).
Basis of Equality: Moral persons, capable of a conception of their good and a sense of justice, are entitled to equal justice. This excludes animals from the scope of these principles. The capacity for moral personality is seen as sufficient, but not necessarily necessary.

Procedural Justice

Procedural Justice prioritizes adherence to societal rules.
Consistent and impartial application of rules is essential for fair treatment
A desire to follow rules relates to the recognition of others' rights within social cooperation.

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Description

Explore the fundamental concepts of justice as fairness and its critiques of traditional justice notions. This quiz delves into the relationship between justice, social institutions, and equity. Answer questions related to the theoretical frameworks that shape our understanding of social justice.