.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
John Rawls
Reviver of political philosophy — justice as fairness, behind a veil of ignorance.
Overview
The most influential political philosopher of the 20th century, Rawls single-handedly revived the field with A Theory of Justice. To work out fair principles for society, he imagined rational people choosing the rules from behind a 'veil of ignorance' that hides their own place, talents, and fortune. He argued they would choose equal basic liberties for all and would permit inequalities only when these benefit the least advantaged — 'justice as fairness'.
What they supported — and why
The original position and the veil of ignorance
SupportedJust principles are those that free, rational people would choose behind a 'veil of ignorance' that conceals their own class, talents, gender, and conception of the good.
WhyNot knowing where you will land forces impartiality: you will choose rules fair to everyone, since you might be anyone.
The two principles of justice
SupportedFirst, each person has an equal right to the most extensive basic liberties; second, social and economic inequalities are just only if they benefit the least advantaged (the difference principle) and attach to positions open to all.
WhyBehind the veil, rational agents secure their liberty first, then guard against ending up worst off, endorsing inequalities only when these lift the bottom.
Justice as fairness over utility
SupportedJustice is prior to the general welfare; the rights of individuals may not be sacrificed merely to maximize total happiness.
WhyUtilitarianism can justify oppressing a minority for the greater sum, but fair principles chosen impartially protect each person's inviolable rights.
Causes championed
- A just, fair society
- The priority of individual rights
- Fairness to the least advantaged
Issues wrestled with
- What principles should govern a just society?
- How do we reconcile liberty and equality?
- Why not simply maximize welfare?
Hurdles faced
- Reviving a field many thought dead
- Decades of debate from libertarians, communitarians, and utilitarians
Works & books
2 catalogued. Status shows how much survives to today.
A Theory of Justice
SurvivesHis landmark work reviving political philosophy with 'justice as fairness'.
Political Liberalism
SurvivesHis account of how a just society sustains stability amid deep disagreement.
Read the texts free
Their works online — Open Library catalogues 92 works & editions.
The influence network
See John Rawls in the map →In their words
“Justice is the first virtue of social institutions, as truth is of systems of thought.”
— A Theory of Justice
Legacy
He revived political philosophy and set its agenda for half a century; the veil of ignorance is one of the most influential ideas in modern ethics.
Follow their questions
This thinker is a stop on these paths through philosophy.
Further reading
Cross-checked against these authoritative references.