180024 PS John Rawls' A Theory of Justice (2024S)

In this seminar, we will read closely John Rawls' famous text "A Theory of Justice" (1971). While one can treat 'justice' as a property of actions or individuals, Rawls treats justice as a property of the 'basic structure' of society, by which he means the social institutions that distribute rights and duties and divide the advantages of social cooperation. Among other criteria, Rawls argues that just institutions must satisfy the 'liberty principle' (which says that we ought to have the most extensive system of liberties that is compatible with equal liberty for all) and the 'difference principle' (which says that socio-economic inequalities are justified only if they benefit the least advantaged). "A Theory of Justice" claims, famously, that rational individuals would freely choose these principles in the 'original position' behind a 'veil of ignorance'—that is to say, that they would choose these principles were they in a choice scenario where they did not have any particular knowledge about themselves, such as their gender, economic status, or conception of the good. Rawls thinks that rational individuals, equipped only with general facts about human society, would come unanimously to agree on these principles. Because the 'original position' plays an argumentative role similar to the state of nature in social contract theories, Rawls considers his work to be a more general and abstract presentation of the traditional social contract.

While this course focuses on a single text, students will not read "A Theory of Justice" in its entirety but rather excerpts supplemented by secondary literature. Although Rawls' views changed over the years, we will read the original edition and occasionally discuss the later alterations. As the pre-eminent political theorist of the late twentieth century, Rawls has shaped the trajectory of contemporary moral and political philosophy in such a way that one cannot understand many current debates without a basic grasp of his ideas and influence. In our exploration of Rawls' work, we will also look at sub-topics that have since developed their own literature.

Underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to join, regardless of gender, sexuality, nationality, or culture (or other affiliation). Students are likewise encouraged to discuss any accessibility needs with the instructor. The discussion and submission language of this course is English.