John Rawls
American political philosopher, author of A Theory of Justice · 1921–2002
John Rawls was an American philosopher whose A Theory of Justice argued for 'justice as fairness'. He proposed principles that protect basic liberties and allow inequalities only when they benefit the least advantaged.
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Estimated from their documented words and actions. A simplification, not a verdict.
No strong recorded view.
Argued for constitutional democracy with fair value of political liberties.
Put equal basic liberties first among principles of justice.
The Law of Peoples envisions cooperation among peoples while rejecting a world state.
Accepted just war only for self-defence and criticised the Hiroshima bombing.
The Law of Peoples allows peoples to limit immigration.
His difference principle permits inequalities only if they benefit the least advantaged.
Favoured property-owning democracy or liberal socialism over welfare-state capitalism.
No strong recorded view.
Argued for public reason rather than religious doctrine as the basis for law.
Supported egalitarian reforms and equal rights.
No strong recorded view.