John Rawls - Key Ideas (1921–2002) (Edexcel A-Level Politics): Flashcards
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John Rawls (dates)
John Rawls (dates)
1921-2002
Rawls' famous work & publication year
Rawls' famous work & publication year
A Theory of Justice (1971)
Rawls' central concept of justice
Rawls' central concept of justice
Justice as fairness
Original position (Rawls)
Original position (Rawls)
Hypothetical scenario to choose justice principles fairly
Veil of ignorance (Rawls)
Veil of ignorance (Rawls)
Deciding justice without knowing own status/abilities/wealth
Purpose of veil of ignorance
Purpose of veil of ignorance
Ensures impartiality & fairness; protects most vulnerable
First Principle of Justice (Rawls)
First Principle of Justice (Rawls)
Equal right to most extensive basic liberties for all
Second Principle of Justice (Rawls)
Second Principle of Justice (Rawls)
Inequalities justified only if benefit least advantaged (difference principle)
Type of state Rawls' theory supports
Type of state Rawls' theory supports
Redistributive welfare state
'Inviolable' rights in Rawls' theory
'Inviolable' rights in Rawls' theory
Cannot be overridden by other goals (e.g. efficiency)
Fair equality of opportunity (Rawls)
Fair equality of opportunity (Rawls)
Equal chance to succeed regardless of background
Rawls' critique of utilitarianism
Rawls' critique of utilitarianism
Can sacrifice minority rights for majority benefit
How Rawls differs from classical liberalism
How Rawls differs from classical liberalism
Advocates active state role in social justice, not minimal
What positions must be open to all (Rawls)
What positions must be open to all (Rawls)
Power & wealth positions under fair equality of opportunity