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Contemporary Liberalism: John Rawls: Justice as Fairness. All citizens should share in a society’s wealth and be given equal economic opportunities In a just society, rational individuals under a veil of ignorance about their original position in the society should endorse a theory that:
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Contemporary Liberalism:John Rawls: Justice as Fairness • All citizens should share in a society’s wealth and be given equal economic opportunities • In a just society, rational individuals under a veil of ignorance about their original position in the society should endorse a theory that: • gives everyone as much liberty as possible • allows for the unequal distribution of wealth only when the existence of such inequalities benefits everyone and is accessible to everyone
Critiques of Social Contract Theories • Communitarianism: the State’s authority does not depend on the consent of individuals; rather, individuals depend on the State for their fulfillment and identity (Aristotle, Hegel) • Feminism: because women typically are expected to focus on private (family) matters, they are excluded from full participation in the social contract Susan Okin
Karl Marx(1818-85) • Human beings are naturally inclined to work and be sociable. Capitalism alienates us from the products of our labor and thus alienates us from ourselves and others • Only communal ownership of property can counteract social alienation