Single Idea 22406

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / E. Utilitarianism / 4. Unfairness]

Full Idea

Rawls has suggested that we should maximise the general happiness only if we do so in a fair way.

Gist of Idea

The maximisation of happiness must be done fairly

Source

report of John Rawls (Justice as fairness: Political not Metaphysical [1958]) by J.J.C. Smart - Outline of a System of Utilitarianism 6

Book Reference

Smart,J./Williams,B.: 'Utilitarianism For and Against' [CUP 1978], p.37


A Reaction

Rawls is usually seen as an opponent of utilitarianism, but if we allow a few supplementary rules we can improve the theory. After all, it has a meta-rule that 'everybody counts as one'. What other supplementary values can there be? Honesty?