Then & Now: Philosophy, History & Politics

Introduction to Rawls: A Theory of Justice

Jul 3, 2020
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INSIGHT

Utilitarianism's Problem

  • Utilitarianism, while aiming for the greatest good for the greatest number, can justify actions seen as unethical.
  • Rawls believed individual rights shouldn't be violated for the greater happiness of others.
ANECDOTE

Bus Route Example

  • A civil servant tasked with mapping a bus route demonstrates the utilitarian approach.
  • They would choose a route maximizing the number of people served, potentially ignoring smaller villages.
ANECDOTE

Slavery and Surgeon Examples

  • A society with 10% enslaved but 90% happy illustrates utilitarianism's ethical issue.
  • A surgeon killing a homeless man for a dying doctor's heart is another example.
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