John Rawls Flashcards
dates
1921-2002
his importance
American philosopher
key thinker of modern liberalism in 20th century
work
A Theory of Justice 1971
foundational equality
people shouldn’t just have formal equality under the law and constitution but also foundational (economic+social)
why was foundational equality necessary
ensure a society where lives could be ‘rich’ and ‘fulfilled’
could only happen with redistribution of wealth= extensive public spending+progressive taxation
what did Rawls set out in his book a theory of justice in regards to redistribution of wealth
wasn’t a surrender to socialism (what Von Hayek said)
it was consistent wi liberal principles
what were the philosophical positions Rawls said needed to be created in order for redistribution of wealth
‘original position’- people asked to make a new society better than the current one + decide how wealth and power is distributed
‘veil of ignorance’ - people don’t know who will be in this society
what was the point in Rawls philosophical positions
when faced with them, humans (being rational+empathetic) would choose to make the poor people better of than they are in the current society
what was the key point of Rawls ‘new society’
the fairer society would be the one that individuals choose
so higher taxation+wealth redistribution+enlarged state is in line with government by consent
why is Rawls theory different to socialism
wants to improve lives of poor
doesn’t mention wanting to close gap between rich and poor
why would it be the states role in improve the lives of the poor
what still want individual liberty+self fulfillment
would mean inequalities of outcome
human nature summary
selfish yet empathetic
value individual liberty+plight
the state summary
enable less fortunate to advance
public spending+public services
society summary
individual would choose a society which would better lives of the poor
economy summary
free market should be tempered by state to help poorest
