Rawls' Theory of Justice: Key Concepts

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Questions and Answers

What does the concept of 'overlapping consensus' refer to?

  • A conflict among individuals about justice principles
  • A single doctrine that everyone agrees upon
  • An agreement among people with various doctrines on basic justice principles (correct)
  • A universal agreement on all moral doctrines

What is the primary focus of distributive justice?

  • The equitable distribution of power among individuals
  • The establishment of a social contract among individuals
  • The moral justification of legislative actions
  • The study of how resources, opportunities, and benefits should be distributed (correct)

Which describes a 'well-ordered society'?

  • A society where institutions align with principles of justice as fairness (correct)
  • A society where institutions act independently of justice principles
  • A society that prioritizes individual interests over collective justice
  • A society governed by arbitrary rules and regulations

What does Rawls’ concept of 'global justice' refer to?

<p>An extension of justice principles to relationships between nations and individuals worldwide (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'legitimate power' signify?

<p>Power used justly, accepted as rightful by those governed (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Difference Principle state?

<p>Inequalities are justified if they benefit the least advantaged. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Maximin Rule advocate for?

<p>Maximizing the well-being of the worst-off in society. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the concept of the Veil of Ignorance, what are individuals unaware of?

<p>Their personal abilities and social status. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of Fair Equality of Opportunity?

<p>Equal opportunities regardless of background. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are Primary Goods?

<p>Goods that every rational person would want. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the aim of Public Reason in political decisions?

<p>To justify decisions based on common principles acceptably to all citizens. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the Two Principles of Justice proposed by Rawls?

<p>Equal rights to basic liberties and inequalities benefitting the least advantaged. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Reflective Equilibrium is a process for what purpose?

<p>Adjusting principles and judgments for coherence. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Overlapping Consensus

Agreement on basic justice principles among people with differing beliefs, even if their reasons for agreeing differ.

Social Contract

A hypothetical agreement between individuals to form a society based on agreed-upon principles of justice.

Distributive Justice

The study of how resources, opportunities, and benefits are fairly allocated in society.

Well-Ordered Society

A society where all institutions and ways of life are structured by the principles of justice as fairness.

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Global Justice

The application of justice principles to the global level, focusing on fairness between nations and individuals worldwide.

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Justice as Fairness

Rawls' central idea of justice where principles are chosen fairly and benefit everyone in society.

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Original Position

A hypothetical situation where individuals choose principles of justice behind a 'veil of ignorance,' unaware of their own status or traits.

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Veil of Ignorance

A thought experiment where individuals lack knowledge of their personal characteristics to ensure a fair decision on justice principles.

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Difference Principle

Inequalities in society are justified only if they benefit the least advantaged members.

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Maximin Rule

Maximizing the well-being of the worst-off individuals in society.

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Two Principles of Justice

Rawls' main principles: (1) Everyone has equal basic liberties; (2) Inequalities benefit the least advantaged.

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Basic Liberties

Fundamental rights essential to every individual, such as freedom of speech, voting, and owning property.

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Fair Equality of Opportunity

Equal chances to achieve social and economic success, regardless of background.

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Study Notes

Rawls' Theory of Justice: Key Concepts

  • Justice as Fairness: Rawls' core concept of justice, where fair principles benefit all.
  • Original Position: A hypothetical agreement, choosing justice principles behind a "veil of ignorance."
  • Veil of Ignorance: Individuals, unaware of their social standing, choose fairness principles.
  • Difference Principle: Social inequalities are justified only if they help the least advantaged.
  • Maximin Rule: A strategy to maximize well-being for the worst-off, central to Rawls' approach.
  • Two Principles of Justice: 1) Equal basic liberties for all, and 2) social/economic inequalities benefit the least advantaged.
  • Basic Liberties: Fundamental rights like speech, voting, and property ownership.
  • Fair Equality of Opportunity: Equal chances for social and economic success, irrespective of background.
  • Primary Goods: Desirable goods (liberties, income, wealth, self-respect) desired by all rational people.
  • Reflective Equilibrium: Adjusting principles and judgments for coherence in moral reasoning.
  • Public Reason: Political decisions justified by principles acceptable to all reasonable citizens.
  • Political Liberalism: Rawls' theory aimed at justice in pluralistic societies through overlap among views.
  • Overlapping Consensus: Agreement on justice principles amidst different moral/philosophical views.
  • Social Contract: A hypothetical agreement for forming a society, a foundation of Rawls' theory.
  • Distributive Justice: Discussing fair distribution of society's resources, opportunities, etc.
  • Well-Ordered Society: A society where all institutions follow justice as fairness principles.
  • Global Justice: Rawls' view on justice among nations and individuals globally.
  • Legitimate Power: Just power, in accordance with justice principles, accepted by those it governs.
  • Political Conception of Justice: Principles of justice derived from shared understanding, not from specific doctrines.
  • Basic Structure of Society: Institutions shaping social, economic, and political interactions.

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