John Rawls, A Theory of Justice

A social/moral order is founded on convention and agreement (contract).

The contractual situation is not a real one; it is a hypothetical situation. Rawls asks moral agents to step out of reality into an "orginal position."

In the original position, each person is functioning behind a "veil of ignorance," but each person has knowledge of a general nature:

facts about human society

understanding of politics

understanding of the principles of economic theory

understanding of social organization

understanding of psychology

Each person in the original position is rational. "In choosing between principles, each [person] tries as best he can to advance his or her own interests."

But no one knows what his or her position will be upon "leaving" the original position. Not age or gender or race or class or physical condition or artistic/intellectual capabilities. Hence he or she must think of all other persons in the sense of minimizing risks in case one ends up in the worst possible position. No matter what your status, you will want to be treated as well as possible.

Decisions will be make which protect the disadvantaged.

 

These decisions will be fair and right.

 

Rawls thinks that 2 principles of justice will be chosen:

I. Equal liberty: "Each person is to have an equal right to the most extensive system of equal basic liberties. . . ."

freedom to vote

freedom of speech and thought

freedom of assembly

freedom to own personal property

freedom from arbitrary arrest

freedom from unreasonable search and seizure

II. All social and economic inequality must be justified.

What is just/fair/right

-is universal for that society

-is based on self-respect

The good for all persons: "the successful execution of a rational plan of life"

-a belief in one's own worth

-a belief that one's plan of life is a worthy one

-a belief in one's ability to carry out the chosen plan of life

-appreciation/confirmation by associates

The principles of justice, chosen behind the "veil of ignorance," provide the foundation for the self-worth, the good, of each person in society.