Study Questions

Rawls' Theory of Justice

1.) What is a deontological ethical theory?  What do such theories have in common?

2.) What is consequentialism, and how does it differ from deontology?

3.) What is contractarianism?  What are the two fundamental aspects of any contractarian theory?

4.) What is the veil of ignorance and what role does it play in Rawls' theory?

5.) What are the primary societal goods for Rawls?  Give examples of each.

6.) What are the natural goods for Rawls, and how do they differ from societal goods?

7.) What is reflective equilibrium?  What role does it play in Rawls' theory?

8.) What is Rawls' first principle of justice, also known as the Liberty Principle?

9.) What is Rawls' second principle of justice, also known as The Wealth and Status Principle?

10.) What is the priority of liberty principle?

11.) What is the principle of efficiency?

12.) What  is the difference principle?

13.) What is the The Priority of Justice over Efficiency and Welfare?