Who is John Rawls?

John Rawls (1921-2002) was an American political philosopher, considered one of the most important political philosophers of the 20th century. He is best known for his work "A Theory of Justice" (1971) and his concept of "justice as fairness."

What is the main work of John Rawls and when was it published?

John Rawls' main work is "A Theory of Justice," published in 1971.

Explain Rawls' concept of "justice as fairness."

"Justice as fairness" is Rawls' theory that the most just arrangement of society is the one that individuals would choose if they didn't know their place in society, ensuring fairness and impartiality in the design of social institutions.

What is the "original position" in Rawls' theory?

The "original position" is a hypothetical situation where individuals choose the principles of justice for society without knowing their own place in it, ensuring impartial and fair decision-making.

Describe the "veil of ignorance" in Rawls' philosophy.

The "veil of ignorance" is a thought experiment where individuals in the original position are unaware of their personal characteristics (e.g., race, gender, social status) when deciding on principles of justice, promoting impartiality.

What are Rawls' two principles of justice?

1. Equal basic liberties principle: Each person has an equal right to a fully adequate scheme of equal basic liberties compatible with a similar scheme for all.
2. Difference principle: Social and economic inequalities are to satisfy two conditions: a) Attached to offices and positions open to all under fair equality of opportunity b) To be to the greatest benefit of the least-advantaged members of society

What is the "maximin rule" in Rawls' theory?

The maximin rule is a decision-making strategy where individuals in the original position choose principles that maximize the minimum (worst-off) position in society, ensuring the best possible outcome for the least advantaged.

Explain the concept of "reflective equilibrium" in Rawls' philosophy.

Reflective equilibrium is a method of moral reasoning where one seeks coherence between considered judgments, moral principles, and theoretical considerations by making mutual adjustments among them.

What is the main focus of Rawls' later work, "Political Liberalism"?

In "Political Liberalism" (1993), Rawls addresses how a stable and just society can exist despite the diversity of religious, philosophical, and moral doctrines held by its citizens, introducing the idea of an "overlapping consensus."

What is the "overlapping consensus" in Rawls' political philosophy?

The overlapping consensus is the idea that in a pluralistic society, people with different comprehensive doctrines can agree on a political conception of justice, providing stability for a liberal political order.