A Theory of JusticeOxford University Press, 1999 - 538 pages "Each person" writes John Rawls, "possesses an inviolability founded on justice that even the welfare of society as a whole cannot override. Therefore in a just society the rights secured by justice are not subject to political bargaining or to the calculus of social interests." In this book Mr. Rawls attempts to account for these propositions, which he believes express our intuitive convictions of the primacy of justice. The principles of justice he sets forth are those that free and rational persons would accept in an initial position of equality. In this hypothetical situation, which corresponds to the state of nature in social contract theory, no one knows his or her place in society; his or her class position or social status; his or her fortune in the distribution of natural assets and abilities; his or her intelligence, strength, and the like; or even his or her conception of the good. Thus, deliberating behind a veil of ignorance, people determine their rights and duties. The first, theoretical, section of the book addresses objections to the theory and alternative positions, especially utilitarianism. The author then applies his theory to the philosophical basis of the constitutional liberties, the problem of distributive justice, and the definition of the ground and limits of political duty and obligation. He includes here discussion of the issues of civil disobedience and conscientious objection. Finally, he connects the theory of justice with a doctrine of the good and of moral development. This enables him to formulate a conception of society as a social union of social unions and to use the theory of justice to explain the values of community. Since the appearance of the book in 1971, A Theory of Justice has been translated into 23 languages. Revisions to the original English text have been included in translations since 1975. This new English edition incorporates all those revisions, which the author considers to be significant improvements, especially to the discussions of liberty and primary goods. The Preface for the Revised Edition discusses the revisions in some detail." -- |
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Expressions et termes fréquents
accept advantage aims apply argument arrangements assume assumptions basic liberties basic structure circumstances citizens civil disobedience claims conception of justice considered judgments constitutional constraints contract doctrine course defined definition desire difference principle discussion distribution economic efficiency ends envy equal liberty ethical example expectations fact favored feelings further greater H. L. A. Hart human idea ideal individuals initial situation institutions interests interpretation intuitionism intuitive justice as fairness justified least less maximize means ments natural duty notion one's original position particular parties ples point of view political precepts preferences princi principle of fairness principle of utility principles of justice priority problem procedural justice question rational plan reason recognized reflective equilibrium regulated relevant rules scheme sense of justice standpoint suppose theory of justice things tion unjust utilitarian veil of ignorance W. G. Runciman Welfare Economics well-ordered society