80 pages 2 hours read

John Rawls

A Theory of Justice

Nonfiction | Reference/Text Book | Adult | Published in 1971

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

A Theory of Justice by John Rawls introduces the concept of "justice as fairness," advocating for equal basic rights, equality of opportunity, and the improved conditions of society's least advantaged. Utilizing the "original position" and the "veil of ignorance" thought experiment, Rawls develops two principles: one ensuring equal basic liberties, and another prioritizing fair equality of opportunity and the benefit of the least advantaged, framed as the difference principle.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

John Rawls' A Theory of Justice is widely acclaimed for its profound insights on justice, proposing the influential concept of "justice as fairness." Critics praise its rigorous argumentation and philosophical depth. However, some find it dense and challenging to read, criticizing its theoretical abstractions and perceived impracticality for real-world application. Overall, it remains a seminal work in political philosophy.

Who should read this

Who Should Read A Theory of Justice?

A reader who delights in A Theory of Justice by John Rawls is typically immersed in political philosophy and ethics. They might also appreciate Immanuel Kant's Critique of Pure Reason or Robert Nozick's Anarchy, State, and Utopia, reveling in debates on justice, equality, and societal structures.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

Philosophy

Education

Business / Economics

Themes

Values/Ideas: Good & Evil

Genre

Education

Philosophy

Classic Fiction