The Moral Theory of John Rawls

1
The Moral Theory of John Rawls

• Beginning Ethics
• Summer 2005

2
Rawls Contract Theory of Morality

• The correct morality is that which a free society
  of equal and rational people would choose to live
  by.
• Justice as fairness.

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How do we find this morality?

• The original position and the veil of ignorance.

4
Political Structure

• All people should possess the primary goods,
  which are the goods that it is rational to want,
  whatever else you want.
• Basic rights and liberties, freedom of
  opportunity, income and wealth, self-esteem, some
  power and responsibility.

5
The Obligations of Individuals

• Fairness, fidelity, uphold justice, give aid and
  respect to others, dont injure others, dont
  harm the innocent.
• We are fulfilled if we do this.

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Objections?
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Objections

• Rawls leaves out important virtues.
• Rawls view of human nature is too
  individualistic and abstract.