Borrow it for free at https://archive.org/details/justiceasfairnes0000rawl
(Open Library Project) ( )

Published only one year before his death, this is the best possible restatement of the Rawls positions on an array of social contract theory notions, including original position. ( )

need to take time to go through this reading. It can get boring quickly. ( )

Rawls' elegant argument has become a staple of liberal politics:
(a) Each person has the same indefeasible right/claim to a fully adequate scheme of basic liberties, which scheme is compatible with the same scheme of liberties for all (liberty principle); and
(b) Social and economic inequalities are to satisfy two conditions: first, they are to be attached to offices and positions open to all under conditions of fair equality of opportunity (the equality principle); and second, they are to be to the greatest benefit of the least-advantaged members of society (the difference principle).

In order to understand the direction of American social and political discourse, one must come to terms with what he argues. He schooled pretty much all of the up and coming politicians while at Harvard, including POTUS.

I do not agree with his argument, as it is a sail without wind (unless of course political coercion is employed). Nonetheless, his arguments underly our national discussion at the moment. Even the conservatives have grabbed on to his ideas and are shouting for egalitarian rule— despite the democratic elections. ( )

the meat of rawls. start here if you get intimidated by his theory of justice. ( )