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Rawls argues we should derive the principles of justice from a priori principles of reason and intuition

User Gpinkas
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Final answer:

Rawls' theory of justice suggests principles of organization for a society based on an original position and veil of ignorance, ensuring fair treatment and maximum benefit to the least advantaged.

Step-by-step explanation:

John Rawls' theory of justice is founded on the idea that society should be organized on principles that rational beings would choose in an original position behind a veil of ignorance. Rawls' two principles of justice dictate that everyone should have equal basic liberties and that social and economic inequalities should be arranged for the greatest benefit of the least advantaged. His approach is akin to Kantian philosophy in its a priori method but seeks to avoid the pitfalls of both Kant's deontology and utilitarianism, crafting a system of distributive justice meant to maximize liberty and minimize inequalities.

Rawls begins by considering society as a cooperative system and proposes using an a priori method to derive principles of justice. Society is organized for mutual advantage, but due to the inherent pluralism and deep inequalities, principles must be chosen from a standpoint that is fair to all, irrespective of their actual positions in society. This is achieved by the use of a thought experiment, reconceptualizing the veil of ignorance, where individuals do not know their place in society and therefore make objective decisions for the good of all, especially the least advantaged, in accordance with the Maximum-Minimum principle.

User Lukeshek
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