Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is one of the main weaknesses in Rawls's hypothetical contract argument?
What is one of the main weaknesses in Rawls's hypothetical contract argument?
What does Rawls mean by 'the original position'?
What does Rawls mean by 'the original position'?
Which element in the original position reflects Rawls's view on sexual discrimination?
Which element in the original position reflects Rawls's view on sexual discrimination?
What is necessary for the agreement from the original position to be deemed valid?
What is necessary for the agreement from the original position to be deemed valid?
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Why does Rawls impose ignorance in the original position?
Why does Rawls impose ignorance in the original position?
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What could be argued against Rawls's method if unfair elements are shown in the original position?
What could be argued against Rawls's method if unfair elements are shown in the original position?
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Which hypothetical contract is used to illustrate a poor justification of Rawls's argument?
Which hypothetical contract is used to illustrate a poor justification of Rawls's argument?
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What does Rawls suggest is necessary for the elements of the original position?
What does Rawls suggest is necessary for the elements of the original position?
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What are primary goods according to Rawls?
What are primary goods according to Rawls?
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Why did Rawls introduce the concept of primary goods?
Why did Rawls introduce the concept of primary goods?
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What criticism is directed at the neutrality of primary goods?
What criticism is directed at the neutrality of primary goods?
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What moral belief does Rawls attempt to reflect through ignorance of members' assets?
What moral belief does Rawls attempt to reflect through ignorance of members' assets?
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How does Rawls regard natural talents in the context of moral fairness?
How does Rawls regard natural talents in the context of moral fairness?
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What is a potential flaw identified regarding Rawls's idea of communal goods?
What is a potential flaw identified regarding Rawls's idea of communal goods?
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Why might some resist the claim that talents should not determine societal benefits?
Why might some resist the claim that talents should not determine societal benefits?
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What is one implication of making natural assets 'common assets' according to Rawls?
What is one implication of making natural assets 'common assets' according to Rawls?
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Study Notes
Rawls's Hypothetical Contract Argument
- Rawls presents a hypothetical contract argument asserting that outcomes from such a contract are just.
- This idea is flawed; a hypothetical contract where one person gives all possessions for a book is not just.
- Rawls's contract needs justification beyond other hypothetical contracts.
The Original Position: A Device of Representation
- Rawls argues his hypothetical contract is privileged because the "original position" is fair.
- The original position is a "device of representation" where each element represents a universally accepted or potentially acceptable moral belief.
- Examples include ignoring sex (reflecting anti-discrimination) and impartiality through ignorance.
Constraints on the Original Position
- Two constraints govern the original position:
- Its elements (knowledge, ignorance) must reflect generally accepted moral beliefs.
- The position must lead to agreement among participants.
Criticism of Rawls's Primary Goods
- Rawls requires contracting parties to value primary goods (liberty, opportunity, wealth, income, self-respect).
- These are presented as rational, all-purpose means regardless of personal desires.
- Criticism argues these goods are not neutral, favoring commercial, capitalist societies.
- Alternative, non-commercial, communal forms of existence might prioritize different, non-capitalistic values.
Criticism of Ignorance of Natural/Social Assets
- Rawls makes parties ignorant of their natural/social assets (talent, wealth) to achieve agreement.
- He argues these assets are morally arbitrary: no one deserves their traits/background.
- This idea is then modelled by making these assets "common assets".
- A counter-argument is that individuals deserve some reward for using and developing their talents.
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Description
Explore the complexities of Rawls's hypothetical contract argument and its implications for justice. This quiz examines the original position as a device of representation and the constraints it faces. Dive into critical perspectives that question the validity of Rawls's claims and the foundation of his moral philosophy.
