A Theory of Justice

One of the first books challenging the daunting utilitarian framework, A Theory of Justice, has succeeded as a viable alternative to the more engrained utilitarian doctrine. John Rawls unique prescience enabled him to present a theory that insidiously dismantles utilitarianism through a series of thought experiments. Rawls ultra moral proposition of the "Veil of Ignorance" describes the idea that a theory of justice can only be just if the creator of that theory is unbiased. The way to acheive perfect objectiveness on behalf of the creator is to assume a "veil of ignorance", which is the notion that the creator does not know his or her own position in society. They may be poor, rich, intelligent, or immoral, all of which could potentially influence the agenda of people who are entering this basic contract. Derivative of contract theory, a theory of justice outlines a theory that can be interpreted as a hybrid between contract theory and utilitarianism, eloquently striking a middle-ground.

Jimmy Sagan