What’s a definition of justice everyone can agree on? How should wealth and power be distributed in society? What obligations do citizens have to each other? These are some of the questions John Rawls confronts in his 1971 work, A Theory of Justice. The conclusion is Rawls’s theory of “justice as fairness,” which merges liberalism’s emphasis on equal rights and individualism with economic equality and safety nets for the most vulnerable members of society. Below is a brief overview of John Rawls’s book A Theory of Justice.
Diversity Is Strength: General McMaster on American Pluralism
Is diversity a strength or a weakness? How can it be leveraged to make America stronger against its adversaries? General H. R. McMaster argues that the U.S. can face its global challenges with long-term goals. One strategy he recommends is to turn American diversity into strength and reaffirm education as a fundamental bulwark of democracy. Continue reading to understand McMaster’s argument that diversity is strength.
John Rawls: The Original Position Negotiation Steps
What is the purpose of the original position? What conclusions are most likely to result from the debate under the original position? The original position is a hypothetical situation where a group of equals must arrive at a rational definition of justice. According to John Rawls, the original position ensures that the decision-makers won’t tend toward utilitarian theories of justice and will arrive at many of the same conclusions. Keep reading to learn how the original position is negotiated and what the likely conclusions are.
John Rawls’s 2 Principles of Justice (A Theory of Justice)
What are John Rawls’s two principles of justice? How might each principle influence the rules and distribution systems of society? Rawls’s principles of justice result from the original position. The principle of distributive justice states that everyone should have equal rights, liberties, and duties. The difference principle states that some inequality can be permitted in circumstances where it makes the least advantaged better off. Keep reading to learn about Rawls’s principles of justice as fairness.
John Rawls on Basic Liberties, Rights, and Conflicts
What does John Rawls say about basic rights and liberties? Under what circumstances does Rawls’s theory allow for the restriction of individuals’ basic rights and liberties? According to John Rawls’s theory of justice, everyone in society is entitled to basic equal rights, liberties, and duties. However, Rawls acknowledges that conflicts between different rights and liberties can arise. Here’s what Rawls says on rights and liberties.
John Rawls’s Philosophy: The 3 Duties of a Just Society
What is John Rawls’s philosophy of justice? What does a just society look like in Rawls’s eyes? Does Rawls prescribe any universal rules of justice? Rawls argues that a just society would have duties that fit its specific circumstances. However, he does emphasize three duties that must be followed to promote the common good while still allowing citizens to pursue their own self-interest. Let’s explore each and examine how they accomplish this goal.
John Rawls’s Theory: The 3 Rules Society Should Follow
What is John Rawls’s theory of justice as fairness? What would citizenship under the justice as fairness paradigm look like in the real world? Justice as fairness is the theory of justice resulting from the original position: a hypothetical scenario where a group of equals envisions a just society by means of unbiased, rational debate. Rawls argues that a fairly just society should allow people to live however they like, albeit with a few exceptions. Here are three areas where Rawls believes society should enforce certain duties and values.
Cultural Myths: What We Learn From Roland Barthes’s Essays
Are there hidden messages in the way news is reported? What myths does Hollywood perpetuate? Many of Roland Barthes’s essays provide concrete examples of how myths are used to reinforce cultural norms and values. Particularly, these essays seek to unmask class, gender, race, beauty, and political constructs. Read more to see how Roland Barthes’s essays shed light on cultural myths.
What’s the New Space Race & Who Is It Between?
What is the new space race? Who is the race between? What does the future hold for space exploration? Space exploration largely faded into the background after the end of the Cold War, but it’s coming back with a vengeance. Participants in the new space race are vying for the advantages of establishing a space presence that could set them up for future success. Read on to learn more about what’s happening with the new space race and who’s involved.
Why Do Politicians Lie—Has Post-Truth Politics Taken Over?
Why do politicians lie? Why do we continue to support politicians, even when we know they’re lying? Research shows that Americans will continue to support their preferred political candidates even when they know those candidates lie. Since 2016, the term “post-truth politics” has come into regular use for just this reason. Read on to learn why politicians lie and why Americans tolerate it.