Final answer:
John Rawls's theory of justice is based on a social contract, emphasizing the importance of human freedom and social welfare. His principles, notably the liberty principle and the difference principle, are central to his vision of a fair and just society that benefits even the least advantaged members.
Step-by-step explanation:
John Rawls’s theory of justice is fundamentally based on a social contract approach. Rawls outlines his theory in his influential work 'A Theory of Justice,' where he introduces the concept of the “veil of ignorance,” a hypothetical scenario where individuals design society's principles without knowing their own position within it, ensuring fairness and impartiality.
According to Rawls, the well-being of citizens is crucial to why individuals agree to obey a government, indicating that human freedom and social welfare are critical. His two principles, the liberty principle and the difference principle, aim to ensure maximal liberty consistent with equal opportunity and prioritize improving the situation of the least advantaged members of society.