Muhammad Farhan

2103101010409

Justice is the first virtue of social institutions, as truth is of systems of thought. A theory however
elegant and economical must be rejected or revised if it is untrue; likewise laws and institutions no matter
how efficient and well-arranged must be reformed or abolished if they are unjust. Each person possesses
an inviolability founded on justice that even the welfare of society as a whole cannot override. For this
reason justice denies that the loss of freedom for some is made right by a greater good shared by others. It
does not allow that the sacrifices imposed on a few are outweighed by the larger sum of advantages
enjoyed by many. Therefore in a just society the liberties of equal citizenship are taken as settled; the
rights secured by justice are not subject to political bargaining or to the calculus of social interests.

Two Principles of Justice

1. Each person is to have an equal right to the most extensive basic liberty compatible with similar
liberty for others.
2. Social and economic inequalities are to be arranged so that they are both (a) reasonably expected
to be to everyone's advantage, and (b) attached to positions and offices open to all....

Imagine a diverse neighborhood in Jakarta, Indonesia, where families of different socioeconomic

backgrounds reside. In this setting, John Rawls' theory of Justice can be illustrated through the lens of fair
distribution of resources and opportunities. Consider a scenario where the local government is planning to
allocate funds for community development projects. Before making decisions, policymakers are asked to
envision themselves behind a veil of ignorance, unaware of their own social status, wealth, or privileges.
From behind this veil, policymakers are tasked with designing policies that will benefit the entire
community, regardless of individual circumstances. They must consider the needs of residents from all
socioeconomic backgrounds, including those living in poverty and those with more resources. As a result,
they might prioritize projects that improve access to education, healthcare, and basic infrastructure for all
residents. This could include building schools in underserved areas, providing healthcare clinics in remote
villages, and improving transportation networks to connect marginalized communities. Additionally,
policymakers might implement policies to promote economic opportunities for all residents, such as small
business support programs or vocational training initiatives. By applying Rawls' theory of Justice in this
Indonesian context, policymakers can create policies and allocate resources in a way that promotes
fairness, equality, and opportunity for all members of society, contributing to a more just and inclusive
community.

Imagine a bustling Indonesian marketplace where people from diverse backgrounds gather to buy and
sell goods. In this scenario, John Rawls' theory of Justice can be illustrated through the concept of the
"veil of ignorance." Picture a group of individuals tasked with designing the rules that will govern this
marketplace. Before they begin, they are asked to imagine themselves behind a veil of ignorance, unaware
of their own social status, wealth, ethnicity, or any other personal attributes. From behind this veil, they
are tasked with creating rules that they would find fair and just, not knowing what position they will
occupy once the veil is lifted. This prompts them to consider the interests of all members of society,
regardless of their own circumstances. As a result, they might decide on rules that ensure fair wages for
all workers, access to healthcare for everyone, and protections for small-scale vendors to compete with
larger businesses. These rules would be designed to benefit everyone, regardless of their individual
backgrounds or positions within society.

This illustration demonstrates how Rawls' theory of Justice, with its emphasis on fairness and impartiality,
can be applied to the context of an Indonesian marketplace to create a more equitable and just society.