John Rawls

Theory of justice

Contemporary influential 110 sayings

Sayings by John Rawls

The concept of justice is distinct from the concept of good.

1971 — 'A Theory of Justice', Chapter VII
Controversial Unverifiable

A just society aims to secure the primary goods for all its citizens.

1971 — Discussion of primary goods in 'A Theory of Justice', Chapter II, Section 15
Controversial Unverifiable

The principles of justice are meant to reconcile liberty and equality.

1971 — Central aim of 'A Theory of Justice'
Controversial Unverifiable

The idea of a well-ordered society is an ideal, but a useful one.

1971, 1993 — General sentiment throughout his works
Controversial Unverifiable

Justice as fairness provides a framework for public practical reasoning.

1993 — 'Political Liberalism', Introduction
Controversial Unverifiable

The principles of justice are not derived from a comprehensive moral doctrine.

1993 — 'Political Liberalism', Lecture I
Controversial Unverifiable

The idea of an overlapping consensus is central to political liberalism.

1993 — 'Political Liberalism', Lecture IV
Controversial Unverifiable

The basic liberties are inalienable and cannot be traded off for other goods.

1971 — Priority of liberty in 'A Theory of Justice', Chapter II, Section 11
Controversial Unverifiable

The principles of justice are designed for a society of free and equal citizens.

1971, 1993 — General premise of his work
Controversial Unverifiable

The original position models fair conditions for agreement.

1971 — 'A Theory of Justice', Chapter III, Section 20
Controversial Unverifiable