Contemporary Liberalism: John Rawls: Justice as Fairness

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Contemporary LiberalismJohn Rawls Justice as
Fairness

• All citizens should share in a societys wealth
  and be given equal economic opportunities
• In a just society, rational individuals under a
  veil of ignorance about their original position
  in the society should endorse a theory that
• gives everyone as much liberty as possible
• allows for the unequal distribution of wealth
  only when the existence of such inequalities
  benefits everyone and is accessible to everyone

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Critiques of Social Contract Theories

• Communitarianism the States authority does not
  depend on the consent of individuals rather,
  individuals depend on the State for their
  fulfillment and identity (Aristotle, Hegel)
• Feminism because women typically are expected to
  focus on private (family) matters, they are
  excluded from full participation in the social
  contract

Susan Okin
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Karl Marx(1818-85)

• Human beings are naturally inclined
  to work and be sociable. Capitalism alienates us
  from the products of our labor and thus alienates
  us from ourselves and others
• Only communal ownership of property can
  counteract social alienation