John Rawls
United States, twentieth century
Justice as fairness combines basic liberties with principles for distributing social advantages.
Historical context
A Theory of Justice appeared in 1971. Rawls later developed a political justification for shared principles under conditions of pluralism.
Overview
The original position represents people choosing principles without knowing their social class, talents, or particular conception of the good. The restriction is meant to prevent rules being tailored to an advantageous position.
Main claims
Basic liberties have priority, and inequalities require justification within a fair scheme of cooperation.
Debates and nuances
His theory distinguishes fair equality of opportunity from the difference principle.
This entry provides educational context.