John Rawls

Theory of
Justice

Gecelle Joy S.
Sumbiling

Rawlss Social Justice Theory

Rawlss social contract
A moral theory that says each
person is presumed to have entered
into a social contract, with all
others in society, to obey moral
rules that are necessary for people
to live in peace and harmony

John Rawls: Theory of

Justice
Rawls believed that rational, self-interested
people with roughly similar needs would
choose the following two principles to guide
their moral interactions

1. The Principle of Equal Liberty

2. a. The Difference Principle
b. Principle of Fair Equality of
Opportunity

The Principle of Equal

Liberty
Each person is to have an equal right to the
most extensive liberty compatible with a
similar liberty for others.
- Concerned with basic rights or liberties
- Calls for strict equality in this area

The second principle has two parts

PART 1:The Difference Principle
There will be inequalities, but we are
morally obligated to improve the worst off
unless it would make everyone worse off.
They are to be the greatest benefit of the
least-advantaged members of society.

PART 2: Principle of Fair

Equality of Opportunity
They are to be attached to offices and
positions open to all under conditions of
fair equality of opportunity.
There must be equal access to training
for the most desirable jobs.
These principles combine Kant [treating
people as free & equal] & Utilitarianism
[treating people equal]

Rawlss Social Justice Theory

Rawlss Distributive Justice Theory
Fairness is considered the essence of
justice
The principles of justice should be chosen
by persons who do not yet know their
status in society
This veil of ignorance would permit the
fairest possible principles to be selected

Theories of Ethics Summary

Theory

Description

Rawlss social
justice theory

Moral duties are based on an implied social

contract. Fairness is justice. Rules are
established from an original position

Utilitarianism

Persons choose the alternative that would

provide the greatest good to society.

Kantian/
A set of universal rules establishes ethical
Deontological ethics duties. The rules are based on reasoning and
require (1) consistency in application and (2)
reversibility.

UTILITY: focuses on all affected by a potential action

Bentham -- Weighs the social costs and benefits, looking for
the action that provides the greatest net benefits

RIGHTS: focuses on the freedom & equality of individuals

Kant -- Decides on the basis of rights that a person has that
are necessary to provide freedom and equality for that
person.

JUSTICE: focuses on the distribution of goods

Rawls -- Looks for a fair distribution of benefits and burdens.
The question is which moral principles will ensure that.