John Rawls · Philosophy

The Two Principles: Liberty and the Difference Principle

What the parties choose behind the veil: first, an equal scheme of basic liberties for all; then, fair equality of opportunity and the ‘difference principle’ - the rule that social and economic inequalities are just only if they work to the greatest benefit of the least advantaged.

What you'll be able to recall

You learned Rawls’s two principles and their order: (1) equal basic liberties, with priority; (2a) fair equality of opportunity and (2b) the difference principle - inequalities permitted only if they benefit the least advantaged. Explain both principles, their lexical priority, and the idea behind the difference…

Leads to John Locke.

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