Single Idea 18631

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / A. Basis of a State / 4. Original Position / c. Difference principle]

Full Idea

All social primary goods - liberty and opportunity, income and wealth, and the bases of self-respect - are to be distributed equally unless an unequal distribution of any or all of these goods is to the advantage of the least favoured.

Gist of Idea

All desirable social features should be equal, unless inequality favours the disadvantaged

Source

John Rawls (A Theory of Justice [1972], §46)

Book Reference

Rawls,John: 'A Theory of Justice' [OUP 1978], p.303


A Reaction

In the wholehearted capitalism of the 21st century this sounds like cloud-cuckoo land. As an 'initial position' (just as in the 'Republic') the clean slate brings out some interesting principles. Actual politics takes vested interests as axiomatic.

Related Idea

Idea 18638 The difference principles says we must subsidise the costs of other people's choices [Kymlicka]