Synopsis
Rawls's late restatement of his theory: principles of justice chosen behind a veil of ignorance, securing equal liberties and constraining inequalities to help the worst off.
Core passage idea
Paraphrase · Modern copyrighted workIf you did not know your place in society, you would choose rules that protect basic liberties and allow inequality only when it benefits the least advantaged.
It turns fairness into a thought experiment about impartiality, giving liberal egalitarianism a rigorous justification.
To avoid a bubble
Pair with Robert Nozick, Anarchy, State, and Utopia.
Reading note
Use it as the clearest entry to Rawls; read it before tackling the denser Theory of Justice.
Best paired with
Robert Nozick, Anarchy, State, and Utopia