A Critical Analysis Of John Rawls's Theory Of Justice
Theory of Justice Analysis Paper A person’s actions and consequences of those actions may affect not only the person but also have effects on the lives of others around the person. It requires a certain range of individual to maximize benefits and minimize harm to self and others. Depending on the goal of a person’s activities, the ethics of such actions may either be geared towards addressing the actions or towards addressing the outcomes of these actions. Based on the intentions and outcomes of the ethical guidelines they provide, there are four primary classes of ethics including relativism, virtue ethics, deontology, and consequentialism (Tilley, 2005). Rawls’s Theory of Justice aims at overcoming the shortcomings of virtue, consequence, …show more content…
Published originally in 1971 and revised in 1977 and 1999; using a variation of the social contract, he attempted to come up with a solution to the distributive justice problem (Pogge & Kosch, 2007). For decisions on distribution of resources to be made, Rawls first assumed decision-makers to be in an original position in which they had self-ignorance of their position in society that results from their decision. This way, people could never tailor their decisions and actions to favor themselves since they did have prior knowledge of where they would end up in the socioeconomic hierarchy. Lack of awareness of one’s position. Would result in making decisions fair to everyone since economic and social advantages would be distributed without the intention of putting anyone at a disadvantage (Cehan, OPREA, Gavrilovici, & Manea, …show more content…
The theory of justice can act as a guide in a society that pursues equality, whereby, inequality is only acceptable if it is to the benefit of the disadvantaged.
Principles of the Theory of Justice Rawls’s Theory of Justice is guided by two primary guiding principles that are derived from the works of the theory included (Sen, 2006).
The First Principle of Justice According to Rawls (2009), “Each person is to have an equal right to the most extensive basic liberty compatible with a similar liberty for others”. This principle protects some fundamental rights like the right to run for office and vote, liberty of conscience, freedom of speech, freedom from arbitrary arrest, and freedom of personal property. However, there is still some debate if freedom of contract makes this list. Based on the laissez-faire doctrine, freedom of contract and liberty to own a means of production and similar properties are not considered primary and are, therefore, not protected by the first
Analysis Of Letter From Birmingham Jail
689 Words | 3 Pages[3]In a thought experiment proposed by philosopher John Rawls, individuals are asked to imagine designing a just society under a veil of ignorance, a concept urging people to prioritize fairness and equality since they can't predict whether their social structures will advantage or disadvantage them. Similarly, [4]Dr. King stresses a fair and harmonious society in his "Letter from Birmingham Jail," except that he focuses on solving existing problems rather than creating a whole new society. The most fundamental difference between Dr. King and John Rawls is that Dr. King confronts a real problem that exists in a real society. In contrast, John Rawls only proposes a theoretical solution.
The Rescue Defence Of Capital Punishment By Steve Aspenson
744 Words | 3 PagesRoss came up with a list of seven basic prima facie duties as they apply to individuals. These duties included a duty to (1) reparation, (2) fidelity, (3) gratitude, (4) justice, (5) beneficence, (6) self-improvement, and (7) nonmaleficence. Tom Regan’s Rights Theory stems around the idea that every person has four basic, semi-universal rights: (1) the right not to be harmed, (2) the right to aid when their rights have been violated, (3) the right to self-defense, and (4) the liberty right. In this paper I will also discuss Tom Regan’s worse off principle.
The Life And Legacy Of Robert Gould Shaw
775 Words | 4 PagesRawls’ idea of justice as fairness, which he presented in his book, “A Theory of Justice,” emphasizes the importance of equal opportunities and equal distribution of wealth and resources in society. This idea resonates with me because, as someone who values fairness and equality, I believe that everyone should have the same chance to succeed and live a fulfilling life. Rawls’ work has taught me to be more aware of societal inequalities and to work towards creating a fairer and more just
Famine Affluence And Morality Analysis
1790 Words | 8 PagesRawls was not happy whit the original arguments about what makes a social institution just. The utilitariam argument says that societies should pursue the greatest good for the greatest number. This argument has many problems, excpecially that it seems to be consistant with the belief of majorities over minorities. The institution argument holds that human intuit what is wright or wrong by some innate moral sense. Rawls attempts to provide a good account of social justice through the social contract approach.
Michael Walzer's View Of Justice
328 Words | 2 PagesMichael Walzer talks about justice as being equal to everyone. Nobody should be above the law, regardless of their social status, etc. On a perfect world, our justice system would be equally accessible and implemented regardless of who is the accused. Everyone has the same rights. On the other hand, Kenji Yoshiko believes justice is not something you can measure.
Analysis Of John Rawls 'Veil Of Ignorance'
1379 Words | 6 PagesJohn Rawls is probably the most influential political philosopher of the 20th century. His well-known difference principles, as well as the "Veil of Ignorance" not only show on the textbook of any students study politics but are also frequently cited by politicians in public debates. However, the Rawlsian theory of justice has received many critics as well. One thing that is attacked most, is the fact that the whole theory is mainly based on assumptions of an ideal society. It is seen as problematic by many scholars.
Models Of Justice In The Jonathan Nathaniel Ramsey Case
1529 Words | 7 PagesAbstract The purpose of this research paper is to choose which of these models of justice: retributive, utilitarian, restorative or parallel, is appropriate for the Jonathan Nathaniel Ramsey case. We need justice to be delivered efficiently, effectively in order to make sure the offenders are held accountable and the victims receive assistance. Each crime that is committed needs to be addressed properly. When the crimes are not then that leads to the unrest in the community and to the victims.
Egalitarianism In Obamacare
1048 Words | 5 PagesThe natural distribution is neither just nor unjust; nor is it unjust that persons are born in society at some particular position” (Sandel 165). Rawls points out that our society has chosen to ignore the issue of inequity most of the time, so long that the effects of this indifference do not hurt their positions. Moreover, what Rawls has described in this quote is very much evident in our society. The citizens on top–especially upper class white males–have the power to pretend the inequities in American society don’t exist, therefore making our society unjust. More
To Kill A Mockingbird Justice Fair
369 Words | 2 PagesBy definition, justice is supposed to be fair. It is supposed to give the defendant a chance to defend himself. The belief that factors such as prejudice, stereotype or racism take a big part in the final verdict in a courtroom has always been sustained by wrongdoings happening around the globe. Knowing that on average, judges sentence African-American 20% more jail time than Caucasian people who committed the same crime, one can state that justice is hindered by these negative concepts. The two main points that will be further explained in detail along this essay will be about how justice initially seems equal, fair and even, while in the second point, it will be proven that in the end, it can never end up being fair, due to the verdict being
The Other Wes Moore Character Analysis
764 Words | 4 PagesRawls states that equality of opportunity represents, “… the background institutions of social and economic justice,” that help those who are most disadvantaged (Rawls 288). Through his own story, Moore displays how education allows those who come from essentially nothing can achieve success. It gives, “… a reason to believe that a story of struggle apathy, and pain… can still have a happy ending,” (Moore 183). Rawls also believes in the, “… equal opportunities of education for all regardless of family income” (Rawls 286). Both see education not only as providing knowledge for all people, but also resources and role models, as the most direct and effective method for creating greater social equality within a
Hobbes Vs Rawls Analysis
1591 Words | 7 PagesPolitical theorists, whether they are realists, or liberalists, over the centuries, have come into conflict over what they believe to be the utmost important task of the state. Hobbes believes the most important task of the state is to ensure law and order, rooting his argument in the idea of a sovereign ruler. On the other hand, Rawls, a modern theorist, firmly believes that a state should focus on realising justice within their society. While a utopian society cannot be achieved by either of these theories, I will highlight why Rawls was right in his assumption that the main focus of a state should be to ensure justice for all within their nation, through analysing and comparing the conflicting arguments of Hobbes and Rawls.
What's The Right Thing To Do By Michael Sandel Summary
963 Words | 4 PagesSandel, Michael J. (2009). Justice: What’s the right thing to do? New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux. Introduction & Background Information In the book, Justice:
Income Inequality Argument Analysis
1276 Words | 6 PagesThe ethical theory of utilitarianism provides little guidance on the topic, with arguments being readily made on both sides under this principle. Political philosopher, John Rawls, argues that income inequality is acceptable, but only under very stringent circumstances. In opposition to Rawls, Robert Nozick,
Analyzing Rawls Two Concepts Of Rules
1102 Words | 5 PagesIn Rawls’ paper, “Two Concepts of Rules”, he sheds light on fact that a distinction between justifying a practice and actions that fall under said practice, must be made. This distinction, according to Rawls is crucial in the debate between Utilitarianism and Retributivism, more specifically in defending the Utilitarian view against common criticisms, which will be addressed further in this essay. This essay will be examining the troubling moral question that Rawls addresses; The subject of punishment, in the sense of attaching legal penalties to the violation of legal rules. Rawls acknowledges that most people hold the view that punishing, in broad terms, is an acceptable institution. However, there are difficulties involved with accepting
John Rawls: The Benefits Of Natural Talents
913 Words | 4 PagesJohn Rawls believed that if certain individuals had natural talents, they did not always deserve the benefits that came with having these abilities. Instead, Rawls proposed, these inherent advantages should be used to benefit others. Although Rawls makes an excellent argument on why this should be the case, not all philosophers agreed with his reasoning, especially Robert Nozick. Nozick believed in distributing benefits in a fair manner in accordance with the Entitlement Theory, which has three subsections: Just Acquisition, Just Transfer and Just Rectification.
More about A Critical Analysis Of John Rawls's Theory Of Justice
Analysis Of Letter From Birmingham Jail
689 Words | 3 PagesThe Rescue Defence Of Capital Punishment By Steve Aspenson
744 Words | 3 PagesThe Life And Legacy Of Robert Gould Shaw
775 Words | 4 PagesFamine Affluence And Morality Analysis
1790 Words | 8 PagesMichael Walzer's View Of Justice
328 Words | 2 PagesAnalysis Of John Rawls 'Veil Of Ignorance'
1379 Words | 6 PagesModels Of Justice In The Jonathan Nathaniel Ramsey Case
1529 Words | 7 PagesEgalitarianism In Obamacare
1048 Words | 5 PagesTo Kill A Mockingbird Justice Fair
369 Words | 2 PagesThe Other Wes Moore Character Analysis
764 Words | 4 PagesHobbes Vs Rawls Analysis
1591 Words | 7 PagesWhat's The Right Thing To Do By Michael Sandel Summary
963 Words | 4 PagesIncome Inequality Argument Analysis
1276 Words | 6 PagesAnalyzing Rawls Two Concepts Of Rules
1102 Words | 5 PagesJohn Rawls: The Benefits Of Natural Talents
913 Words | 4 Pages