Single Idea 20527

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / A. Freedoms / 5. Freedom of lifestyle]

Full Idea

First Principle [Liberty]: Each person is to have an equal right to the most extensive total system of equal basic liberties compatible with a similar system of liberty for all.

Gist of Idea

Liberty Principle: everyone has an equal right to liberties, if compatible with others' liberties

Source

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

Book Reference

Rawls,John: 'A Theory of Justice' [OUP 1978], p.302


A Reaction

This is the result of consensus after the initial ignorant position of assessment. It is characteristic of liberalism. I'm struggling to think of a disagreement.

Related Ideas

Idea 20528 Difference Principle: all inequalities should be in favour of the disadvantaged [Wolff,J]

Idea 20531 Either Difference allows unequal liberty, or Liberty makes implementing Difference impossible [Wolff,J]