Rawls's 'A Theory of Justice': An IntroductionA Theory of Justice, by John Rawls, is widely regarded as the most important twentieth-century work of Anglo-American political philosophy. It transformed the field by offering a compelling alternative to the dominant utilitarian conception of social justice. The argument for this alternative is, however, complicated and often confusing. In this book Jon Mandle carefully reconstructs Rawls's argument, showing that the most common interpretations of it are often mistaken. For example, Rawls does not endorse welfare-state capitalism, and he is not a 'luck egalitarian' as is widely believed. Mandle also explores the relationship between A Theory of Justice and the developments in Rawls's later work, Political Liberalism, as well as discussing some of the most influential criticisms in the secondary literature. His book will be an invaluable guide for anyone seeking to engage with this ground-breaking philosophical work. |
Contents
Part II of A Theory of justice Institutions | 75 |
Part III ofA Theory ofjustzee Ends | 109 |
After A Theory of justice | 142 |
Criticisms of A Theory of justice | 170 |
201 | |
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Common terms and phrases
according achieve affirm aims argument assess assume basic liberties basic social justice basic structure benefits chapter choice citizens claim Cohen concerned conflict congruence consider contrast defined definition depends develop difference principle difficulty discussion distributive justice dominant end economic efficient equality of opportunity example fair equality final find first principle free and equal Freeman G. A. Cohen goals H. L. A. Hart holds Ihid individuals influence John Rawls justice as fairness Kantian interpretation least advantaged luck egalitarian maximin mixed conception Nozick ofA Theory ofjustice ofthe one’s original edition original position outcome overlapping consensus particular parties philosophy Political Liberalism possible principles of justice procedural justice property-owning democracy public reason rational Rawls’s reasonable comprehensive doctrines reflective equilibrium requires rules sacrifice Sandel satisfied second principle sense ofjustice share significant specific stability sufficient Theory of justice Thomas Nagel tion University Press unjust utilitarianism veil of ignorance virtue well-ordered society