What John Rawls thinks about government

@john-rawls · 10 positions · On ppll ↗

Political philosopher (1921 to 2002) whose A Theory of Justice (1971) argued for justice as fairness: principles chosen behind a veil of ignorance, with inequalities allowed only where they benefit the least advantaged.

John Rawls did not write this page.

We collected these quotes from things they published elsewhere, and every quote links to where it was said. They have no account here and have not endorsed this site. Quotes are word for word; the short line under each one is our own restatement, not their wording. Their own site. Is this you? Claim it or ask us to remove it. Or tell us what is wrong here.

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5 dated positions, c. 1971, in their own words. Our reading of what John Rawls has said — not written or endorsed by them.

1. c. 1971

   Our readingUnjust laws and institutions must be reformed or abolished, however efficient they are

   Their wordsA theory however elegant and economical must be rejected or revised if it is untrue; likewise laws and institutions no matter how efficient and well-arranged must be reformed or abolished if they are unjust.

   ↗A Theory of Justice (Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 1971)archive.org All 10 from this book

3. c. 1971

   Our readingIn a just society equal liberties are settled and not open to political bargaining

   Their wordsTherefore in a just society the liberties of equal citizenship are taken as settled; the rights secured by justice are not subject to political bargaining or to the calculus of social interests.

   ↗A Theory of Justice (Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 1971)archive.org All 10 from this book

5. c. 1971

   Our readingThe principles of justice are chosen behind a veil of ignorance

   Their wordsThe principles of justice are chosen behind a veil of ignorance.

   ↗A Theory of Justice (Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 1971)archive.org All 10 from this book

7. c. 1971

   Our readingWhat is just or unjust is how institutions deal with natural facts

   Their wordsWhat is just and unjust is the way that institutions deal with these facts.

   ↗A Theory of Justice (Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 1971)archive.org All 10 from this book

9. c. 1971

   Our readingEach person should have an equal right to the most extensive basic liberty compatible with others' liberty

   Their wordsFirst: each person is to have an equal right to the most extensive basic liberty compatible with a similar liberty for others.

   ↗A Theory of Justice (Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 1971)archive.org All 10 from this book