A Critical Examination on Some Selected Topics of John Rawls’ Theory of Justice
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2016-05
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
In this thesis, I have explored some selected topics of Rawls’ A Theory of Justice. Rawls’ A Theory of Justice has three parts, theory, institutions and ends part. But, my work is limited to some selected topics of Rawls’ first part or theory part of his book, entitled as ‘A Theory of Justice’. The purpose of Rawls’ book is to give an alternative for utilitarianism. His reason for this is due to the weakness of utilitarian doctrine as far as it can’t satisfy for constitutional democracy. That is why he wants to bring a paradigm shift from utilitarianism conception of justice into justice as fairness. Unlike utilitarianism, he follows deontological principle. Rawls’ conception of justice as fairness has universal perspective and at first it is established on the consent of its entire member, freely and equally. What is new in this social contract theory is the way how the principles of justice are formulated. But, I aimed at examining critically and to expose the gaps and flaws in the ideas of Rawls’ conception of justice. Then, it suffices to say that Rawls’ social contract theory which is non-historical, hypothetical and merely ideal is not genuine or not workable
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Philosophy