"The idea of reflective equilibrium is a state of affairs where one has considered various proposed principles and has revised one's judgments and principles until they cohere."

"The idea of public reason specifies the political values that are to guide the exercise of political power."

"The principles of justice are those that would be chosen by rational beings in a situation of equality."

"The idea of a political conception of justice is that it applies to the basic structure of society and is independent of any comprehensive philosophical or religious doctrine."

"A just society is a society that respects persons as free and equal, and that protects their fundamental rights and liberties."