Contents
John Rawls
1. The book ‘A Theory of Justice’ is written by:
(a) Robert Nozick
(b) John Rawls
(c) J.S.Mill
(d) None of the above
Ans. (b) John Rawls
2. Who is known as the founder of Utilitarianism?
(a) John Rawls
(b) Robert Nozick
(c) Bentham
(d) J.S. Mill
Ans. (c) Bentham
3. John Rawls followed the social contract theory of:
(a) Rousseau
(b) Locke
(c) Hobbes
(d) None of these
Ans. (b) Locke
4. Which among the following is not a work of John Rawls?
(a) A Theory of Justice
(b) The Law of Peoples
(c) Justice as Fairness
(d) Anarchy, State and Utopia
Ans. (d) Anarchy, State and Utopia
5. Who said ‘Justice as the first virtue of a good society’?
(a) Aristotle
(b) Plato
(c) Rawls
(d) Marx
Ans. (c) Rawls
6. Rawls’s theory of justice is purely a form of:
(a) Procedural Justice
(b) Substantive Justice
(c) Moral Justice
(d) All of the above
Ans. (a) Procedural Justice
7. Who among the following modified Bentham’s concept utilitarianism?
(a) Rawls
(b) Nozick
(c) Mill
(d) None of the above
Ans. (c) Mill
8. The book ‘A Theory of Justice’ was published in the year:
(a) 1970
(b) 1971
(c) 1972
(d) 1993
Ans. (b) 1971
9. Which among the following is the principle of justice given by John Rawls?
(a) Principle of equal liberty
(b) Principle of fair equality of opportunity
(c) The difference principle
(d) All of the above
Ans. (d) All of the above
10. Who visualizes men as ‘rational negotiators’?
(a) Rawls
(b) Nozick
(c) J.S.Mill
(d) None of the above
Ans. (a) Rawls
11. Which among the following principle of Rawls’s theory of justice is the justification of ‘greatest benefit to the least privileged’?
(a) Principle of equal liberty
(b) Principle of fair equality of opportunity
(c) The difference principle
(d) All of the above
Ans. (c) The difference principle
12. Who introduces the idea of a chain connection?
(a) Rousseau
(b) Nozick
(c) Hume
(d) Rawls
Ans. (d) Rawls
13. Which among the following school of thought criticizes the concept of ‘veil of ignorance’ given by Rawls:
(a) Libertarians
(b) Communitarians
(c) Marxists
(d) None of the above
Ans. (c) Marxists
14. Which among the following schools of thought criticizes Rawls theory of justice for different grounds?
(a) Libertarians
(b) Communitarians
(c) Marxists
(d) All of the above
Ans. (d) All of the above
15. Which among the following school of thought criticized Rawls for sacrificing liberty for the shake of equality?
(a) Libertarians
(b) Communitarians
(c) Marxists
(d) None of the above
Ans. (a) Libertarians
Books Written by John Rawls:
A Brief Inquiry into the Meaning of Sin & Faith(2010)
Lectures on the History of Political Philosophy(2007)
Justice as Fairness: A Restatement(2001)
Lectures on the History of Moral Philosophy(2000)
The Law of Peoples(1993)
Political Liberalism(1993)
A Theory of Justice(1971)
Important Political Contributions of John Rawls:
John Rawls is one of the most influential contemporary political philosophers of the 20th century. His work has had a significant impact on political theory and the theory of justice. There are some of his most important political contributions:
- Theory of Justice as Fairness:
Original Position and Veil of Ignorance: Rawls introduced the concept of the “original position” as a hypothetical state in which individuals choose principles of justice without knowing their place in society. This ensures impartiality since decision-makers do not know their social status, talents, or personal biases. The “veil of ignorance” ensures this unbiased standpoint.
Two Principles of Justice:
Equal Basic Liberties: Each person has an equal right to a fully adequate scheme of equal basic liberties compatible with a similar scheme for others.
Difference Principle: Social and economic inequalities are to be arranged so that they are both:
- To the greatest benefit of the least advantaged, and
- Attached to offices and positions open to all under conditions of fair equality of opportunity.
2. Political Liberalism:
John Rawls has developed his idea of “Political Liberalism,” where he argued for a framework of political principles that could be endorsed by all citizens despite their differing moral, religious, and philosophical doctrines. He introduced the concept of “overlapping consensus,” where different moral or philosophical doctrines can agree on political principles for the sake of justice and stability.
3. Public Reason:
Rawls introduced the idea of public reason, suggesting that the justification for political decisions should be accessible to all citizens. Public reason requires that political arguments be made on grounds that all citizens can reasonably be expected to endorse, fostering mutual respect and civic friendship.
4. The Law of Peoples:
In his later work, Rawls extended his theory of justice to the international realm. He proposed a framework for international relations based on respect for human rights and cooperation among peoples. This work addresses issues such as human rights, international justice, and the conduct of foreign policy.
5. Influence on Welfare State and Social Policies:
Rawls’ theories have been influential in debates about the welfare state, social justice, and the role of government in ensuring a fair distribution of resources and opportunities. His work has provided a philosophical foundation for arguments in favor of social safety nets, progressive taxation, and affirmative action.
6. Critique of Utilitarianism:
Rawls offered a powerful critique of utilitarianism, which had been a dominant theory in moral and political philosophy. He argued that utilitarianism fails to respect the distinction between individuals and does not adequately protect individual rights.
John Rawls’ contributions have shaped contemporary political philosophy, influencing discussions on justice, equality, democracy, and human rights. His work remains a cornerstone in the study of political theory and continues to inspire and challenge scholars and policymakers around the world.
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Rawls
https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Rawls