Published on 23 Nov 2025
John Rawls was an American moral, legal and political philosopher in the liberal tradition. Rawls received both the Schock Prize for Logic and Philosophy and the National Humanities Medal in 1999.
Core Values
Justice as Fairness: Rawls’ central ethical value was the principle of justice as fairness. He believed that justice should be based on a fair distribution of benefits and burdens in society, with a focus on equal basic liberties for all.
Example: Article 14.
The Veil of Ignorance: Rawls introduced the concept of the “veil of ignorance,” which called for individuals to make moral and ethical decisions without prioritising their position in society. This ensured impartiality and fairness in decision-making.
Example: ASI Deepak Sahu arrested his own son in a rape case.
Maximin Principle: Rawls advocated for the maximin principle, which prioritizes the well-being of the least advantaged in society. This reflects his commitment to reducing inequalities and promoting the welfare of the most vulnerable.
Example: MGNREGA.
Toleration: He emphasized the value of tolerance and the importance of respecting diverse viewpoints and beliefs within a just society.
Example: Article 25.
Reasoned Discourse: Rawls valued reasoned discourse and public reason as essential for the formulation of just social policies and decisions.
Public Accountability: He believed that public officials and institutions should be accountable to the public and act in accordance with principles of justice.
Example: Rajasthan’s Jan Soochana Portal.
Reflective Equilibrium: Rawls proposed the idea of reflective equilibrium, which involves balancing moral intuitions and principles to arrive at a coherent and just moral framework.
Quotes
“Many of our most serious conflicts are conflicts within ourselves. Those who suppose their judgements are always consistent are unreflective or dogmatic.”
“The principles of justice are chosen behind a veil of ignorance.”
“The sense of justice is continuous with the love of mankind.”
“Generally speaking, the errors in religion are dangerous; those in philosophy only ridiculous.”
“It is of first importance that the military be subordinate to civilian government”
“We strive for the best we can attain within the scope the world allows.”
“There is no reason to suppose ahead of time that the principles satisfactory for the basic structure hold for all cases.”
John Rawls, with his vision of justice as fairness and equality, offers an optimistic path toward a brighter societal future. His moral values and commitment to impartiality inspire hope for a world where fairness and the welfare of the least advantaged prevail, fostering a more just and harmonious coexistence.
Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude
JOHN RAWLS
ustice as Fairness
The Veil of Ignorance
Maximin Principle
tolerance
Reasoned Discourse
Reflective Equilibrium
MORAL THINKERS
PHILOSOPHERS
Many of our most serious conflicts are conflicts within ourselves. Those who suppose their judgements are always consistent are unreflective or dogmatic
The principles of justice are chosen behind a veil of ignorance
The sense of justice is continuous with the love of mankind
Generally speaking
the errors in religion are dangerous; those in philosophy only ridiculous
It is of first importance that the military be subordinate to civilian government
We strive for the best we can attain within the scope the world allows
There is no reason to suppose ahead of time that the principles satisfactory for the basic structure hold for all cases
General Studies Paper 4
Philosophical Thinkers
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