1. John Rawls

2. Most important pol phil of 20 th cent? No ? The most important lib. Represented academic left vs people like Isaiah Berlin and Robert Nozick in later 20 th cent Great Work “Justice as Fairness” – Organize society in fairest poss way – Legitimacy is min – justice is max – Things should be fair – not necc equal – “equitable” – Saw lib as too reliant on utilitarianism – best to most

3. Citizens don’t deserve advant. based on birth TWO MAIN PRINCIPALS – Everyone has right to liberty = fair chance at success – If there are to be social and economic inequalities, they must satisfy two conditions A – they are attached to offices and positions open to all, under conditions of fair and equal opportunity B – They are to be to the greatest benefit to least advantaged members of society

4. In a perfect world 25%Lowest Class 25%Lower Middle 25%Upper Middle 25%Top

5. The realistic possibilities Rawls sees EconomyLess Advantaged Group Middle GroupMost Advantaged Group A10,000 B12,00030,00080,000 C30,00090,000150,000 D20,000100,000500,000

6. Basic Rights of Citizens – Freedom of movement, free choice among a range of occupations – The powers of offices and positions of responsibility – Income and wealth – The social basis of self-respect; recognition by social institutions that gives citizens a sense of self-worth and confidence to carry out their plans Government Transparency is Crucial in Rawls’ View

7. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKBQ1Q53 9mQ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKBQ1Q53 9mQ