Final answer:
John Rawls' and Robert Nozick's theories are grounded in the philosophy of social justice, focusing on fairness, the well-being of citizens, and the role of the state. Rawls' theory emphasizes principles that ensure equal liberties and address structural inequalities to benefit the least advantaged. These theories have deeply influenced modern political discourse.
Step-by-step explanation:
John Rawls' and Robert Nozick's theories are both firmly grounded in the philosophy of social justice. Rawls' seminal work, A Theory of Justice, introduces the concept of fairness interwoven with an egalitarian approach to justice. He argues for two major principles to govern society: the liberty principle and the difference principle. These principles collectively aim at guaranteeing equal basic liberties for everyone and ensuring that any social and economic inequalities benefit the least advantaged in society.
Rawls' theory is concerned with the well-being of citizens and how social structures can affect individuals' lives. It also introduces the idea of an 'original position' behind a 'veil of ignorance', where one would design a society's system of rights and resources without knowledge of their place within it, thereby achieving fairness and justice. Nozick's theory, while not as expansively covered in this analysis, also touches on principles of justice and the role of the state within society.
Their overarching approaches have substantially influenced modern political philosophy and discussions surrounding ethical governance, equality, and rights. They provide tools to evaluate policies and practices that aim for a just society, free from discrimination and structural inequalities.