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?