Final answer:
Unanimity of acceptance in social justice theory is the collective agreement on societal principles, which is fundamental for the legitimacy of social contracts and governance systems, aligning with the ideas of philosophers like Rawls and principles of utilitarianism to ensure fairness and welfare.
Step-by-step explanation:
Unanimity of acceptance in social justice theory refers to the consensus required among individuals in a society to legitimize social agreements and contracts, specifically in the context of social justice and governance. This concept is deeply connected to the ideas presented by philosophers such as John Rawls, who emphasized the importance of fairness and the well-being of citizens as fundamental components of societal agreements. Social Contract Theory asserts that a government's legitimacy stems solely from the consent of the governed, and the populace maintains the perpetual right to withdraw this consent.
Rawls's concept of 'the veil of ignorance' guides the rational choices that individuals would make without knowledge of their place in society, which ensures decisions are made without bias towards any particular group. Furthermore, the utilitarian philosophy highlights the importance of maximizing happiness and human welfare, integrating 'utility' as a measure of worth in society, where the well-being of all is considered.In summary, unanimity of acceptance is the collective agreement on the principles by which a society governs itself, aiming for a distribution of opportunities, resources, and rights that maximizes social welfare while respecting individual freedoms.