LESSON 4

J O H N R A W L S ’ T H E O RY O F J U S T I C E
LESSON OBJECTIVES
At the end of the lesson, the learners will be
able to:

1. Discuss John Rawls’ Theory of Justice

2. Analyze cases using John Rawls’ Theory of
Justice
WHO IS HE?
 • February 21, 1921- November 24, 2002
• An American ethical and political philosopher
• Famous of defending egalitarian liberalism.
• A Theory of Justice (1971)
• Regarded as the most important political
philosopher of the 20th century

John Rawls
Reference: Encyclopedia Britannica
T H E O RY O F J U S T I C E
 WHAT IS RAWLS’
THEORY OF JUSTICE?
• “Justice as fairness”
• Rawls claims that justice should not be based on the
utilitarian principle: happiness on the greatest numbers
(majority).
• “What about the minority?” Rawls finds the utilitarian
principle unfair.
• Utilitarianism does not fully address the interest,
welfare, and the rights of the minority

Reference: Encyclopedia Britannica

WHAT DOES “JUSTICE AS FAIRNESS”
MEAN?
Justice revolves around two (2) principles:

First Principle Second Principle

“Social and economic inequalities are

to be arranged so that they are both
“Each person is to have an equal
(a) to the greatest benefit of the least
right to the most extensive basic
advantaged and (b) attached to
liberty compatible with a similar
offices and positions open to all
liberty for others”
under conditions of fair equality of
opportunity”

Reference: Encyclopedia Britannica

 FIRST PRINCIPLE
“Each person is to have an equal right
to the most extensive basic liberty
compatible with a similar liberty for
others”

• Justice and fairness will only be recognized only if people look beyond their differences and
into their similarities: that we all have rights and freedom, and that it must acknowledged,
honored, and respected.
• By recognizing our individual rights and freedom, we can live a sincere ethical and moral life.
• Likewise, it is immoral and unjust to violate and disrespect a person’s freedom and rights.

“World peace and social order can only be achieved if all human beings are
given equal rights and liberties and these rights and liberties are always
recognized, respected, and honored.”

Reference: Encyclopedia Britannica

 SECOND PRINCIPLE (A)
“Social and economic inequalities are
to be arranged so that they are both
(a) to the greatest benefit of the least
advantaged”

Justice and fairness should be given more to those who have less (equity). By observing equity,
one becomes just, fair, moral or ethical.

In the picture, the one with less

height is given more crates or
wooden boxes to have the same
opportunity as the others.

defining equity and equality « Peter Levine peterlevine.ws

Reference: Encyclopedia Britannica
 SECOND PRINCIPLE (B)
“Social and economic inequalities are to be
arranged so that they are both (b) attached
to offices and positions open to all under
conditions of fair equality of opportunity”

Justice and fairness should provide equal opportunity for all (no discrimination) to avail office,
services, position, goods, ranks, jobs, and many more!

Equal Employment Opportunity ... acquirebpo.com Gender Equality Vector. Man, Woman ... dreamstime.com Race Equality Vector Standing On Scales
...istockphoto.com

Reference: Encyclopedia Britannica