The World's Best Book Summaries
What is John Rawls’s critique of utilitarianism? Why does Rawls consider utilitarianism immoral? Utilitarianism was a dominant theory of justice during Rawls’s time. In A Theory of Justice, Rawls criticizes utilitarianism on the grounds of allowing the majority to oppress a minority. Here are John Rawls’s utilitarianism views.
What is the original position? How does the original position inform John Rawls’s theory of justice? “The original position” is the foundation of John Rawls’s theory of justice. The original position aims to determine the ideal theory of justice—one that a group of equals could rationally agree is best, regardless of their own personal backgrounds or circumstances. Keep reading to learn about the original position.
Want an overview of Friedrich Nietzsche’s Thus Spoke Zarathustra? What are his views about life and philosophy? German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche wrote Thus Spoke Zarathustra to present his philosophical views on life. Through Zarathustra’s teachings, Nietzsche explains what he believes humans are, what they can become, and how to live if you want to participate in the advancement of humankind. Read on for an overview of Friedrich Nietzsche’s Thus Spoke Zarathustra.
Want to learn about Friedrich Nietzsche and the meaning of life? What is his philosophy of life and humans? In the 1880s, German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche wrote Thus Spoke Zarathustra as a creative presentation of his views about the meaning of life and philosophy. The book is a fictitious, poetic story about a prophet named Zarathustra. Read on to learn more about Friedrich Nietzsche’s philosophy on the meaning of life.
What is John Rawls’s difference principle? Under what circumstances should inequality be allowed in society? The difference principle is the second principle in John Rawls’s book A Theory of Justice. The difference principle states that instances of inequality should only be permitted if they make the least advantaged better off. Keep reading to learn about Rawls’s difference principle and the kind of circumstances that would call for it.
Curious to learn about Nietzsche’s virtue philosophy? What does he believe about human morality? In the 1880s, German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche wrote Thus Spoke Zarathustra to share his views on life, virtue, and philosophy in general. In the book, Nietzsche offers his perspective on cultivating your strengths as virtues. Read on to learn about Nietzsche’s views on virtue, according to Thus Spoke Zarathustra.
What is John Rawls’s “veil of ignorance” assumption? How can ignorance inform justice? The veil of ignorance is a device for helping people arrive at a rational definition of justice. The idea is that by imagining that they are ignorant about their personal circumstances—things like race, sex, gender, age, wealth, and religious beliefs—people can prevent their biases from interfering in their reasoning. Here’s why justice should be founded on ignorance, according to Rawls.
What is Friedrich Nietzsche’s happiness philosophy? What are his thoughts on pursuing happiness? In Thus Spoke Zarathustra, Friedrich Nietzsche explains his views on life, love, happiness, and ultimately human existence. According to Nietzsche, you should focus on finding happiness and joy for yourself while allowing room for discomfort. Read on to learn about Nietzsche’s philosophy of happiness, including a brief learning exercise.
Are you looking for John Rawls’s quotes from A Theory of Justice? What are some of the most noteworthy passages worth revisiting? In A Theory of Justice, John Rawls explores the best and most just way a society can distribute social goods like rights, wealth, and power. He argues that people can and should determine the distribution of these goods entirely through reason, rather than by appeals to one’s identity—sex, race, religion, etc. Below is a selection of passages highlighting some of the key ideas.
Does hardship make you stronger? What can we learn about hardship and philosophy? German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche wrote the influential novel Thus Spoke Zarathustra to share his views on life and philosophy. According to the novel, enduring hardship makes you stronger and is even a necessity in life. Read on to learn why hardship makes you stronger, according to Nietzsche’s philosophy.