Final answer:
John Rawls proposed two principles for governing society: the b. liberty principle, granting equal basic liberties, and the difference principle, which requires social and economic inequalities to benefit the least advantaged in society.
Step-by-step explanation:
Philosopher John Rawls proposed that two principles should govern society. The first is the liberty principle, which asserts that each person has an equal right to a range of basic liberties, such as freedom of speech, property rights, and freedom of assembly. The second is the difference principle, which stipulates that any social and economic inequalities must: (1) provide positions open to all under fair equality of opportunity conditions; and (2) be to the greatest advantage of the least advantaged members of society. These principles form part of Rawls's broader theory on justice and egalitarianism, advocating for equality at a fundamental level in how a just society should function.
Rawls's theory is also known for invoking the 'veil of ignorance', a thought experiment designed to promote impartiality in the design of societal structures. These two principles prioritize the well-being of citizens and adhere to a concept of distributive justice that can be applied to various governmental systems. They reject the notion of complete equality of distribution but instead focus on ensuring that inequalities benefit everyone, especially those least advantaged.
SUMUP of the final answer:
- The liberty principle for equal basic liberties
- The difference principle for managing inequalities