Theory of Justice
- Theory
- Theory of Justice
- Jurist
- John Rawls
- Description
In A Theory of Justice (1971), Rawls defends "justice as fairness": rational persons in the original position, behind a veil of ignorance (unaware of their class, talents, or status), would choose two principles — equal basic liberties for all, and the difference principle, under which social and economic inequalities are just only if they benefit the least advantaged and attach to positions open under fair equality of opportunity. It is a liberal-contractarian critique of utilitarianism.