Theory of Justice

`In a just society', wrote John Rawls, '...the rights secured by justice are not subject to political bargaining or to the calculus of social interests'.

Existing societies seldom adhere to this principle, for what is just or unjust is usually in dispute.

Professor Rawls sets out the principle of justice that free and rational persons would accept in an initial position of equality.

After the first theoretical part of the book, which concludes with a persuasive critique of Utilitarianism, the author sets out to illustrate the content of his two principles of justice.

He describes the basic structure that ideally satisfies these principles and examines the duties and obligations to which they give rise.

Finally, he connects the theory of justice with a doctrine of the good.

This book is intended for general readers with an interest in moral philosophy, the principles of justice.

Students (undergraduate and above) of moral philosophy, law, and political philosophy.