John Rawls – Theory of Justice (1971)
UPSC PSIR | Political Theory | Very High Weightage
1️⃣ INTRODUCTION
John Rawls revived normative political theory in the 20th century. His book "A Theory of Justice" (1971) reshaped modern liberal thought.
Rawls asked: What principles of justice would free and rational individuals choose?
2️⃣ ORIGINAL POSITION
Rawls imagined a hypothetical situation called the "Original Position".
People choose principles of justice without knowing their social status.
3️⃣ VEIL OF IGNORANCE (CORE CONCEPT)
Individuals do not know:
- Their caste
- Gender
- Religion
- Economic status
- Talent level
This ensures fairness and neutrality.
Justice must be designed without bias.
4️⃣ TWO PRINCIPLES OF JUSTICE
🔹 First Principle – Equal Liberty
- Each person has equal basic liberties
- Freedom of speech
- Freedom of conscience
- Political participation
Liberty cannot be sacrificed for economic gain.
🔹 Second Principle – Social & Economic Inequality
- Inequalities allowed only if:
- They benefit the least advantaged (Difference Principle)
- Positions are open to all under fair equality of opportunity
5️⃣ DIFFERENCE PRINCIPLE
Inequality is acceptable only if it improves the condition of the poorest.
Example: Higher salaries for doctors allowed — if it improves public healthcare.
6️⃣ MAXIMIN RULE
Choose the option where the worst outcome is as good as possible.
Design society to protect the weakest.
7️⃣ RAWLS vs UTILITARIANISM
- Utilitarianism = Greatest good of greatest number
- Rawls = Protect individual rights
- Minority rights cannot be sacrificed
8️⃣ RAWLS & INDIA (VERY SCORING)
- Reservation policy
- Affirmative action
- Welfare schemes
- Social justice model
Indian Constitution reflects Rawlsian spirit in Directive Principles.
9️⃣ CRITICISM
- Too idealistic
- Ignores community values (Communitarian critique)
- Marxists say inequality remains
📝 MAINS QUESTIONS
- Explain Rawls’ Theory of Justice.
- Critically examine the Difference Principle.
- Rawls vs Utilitarianism – Compare.
- Is Rawls relevant to Indian social justice?
📌 QUICK REVISION MAP
- Original Position
- Veil of Ignorance
- Two Principles
- Difference Principle
- Maximin
- Criticism
Justice is fairness.
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