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‘RAWLS AND NOZICK PRESENT US WITH COMPETING VISIONS OF AN EQUAL SOCIETY.’ Discuss
The works of John Rawls and similarly Robert Nozick have been contemplated, criticised, debated and expanded upon by many that question what is an ideal theory of society. Furthermore, to argue whether or not they both present us with competing visions is merely setting the task for one to read and study the works of these philosophers. ... Nonetheless, this essay question also requires one to note what is an equal society. One may argue that an equal society is one in which all members have the same rights and liberties, such as freedom of speech, the right for one’s life to not be taken by another etc. Another may argue that an equal society is one in which a man injured in a car crash should automatically be entitled to receive medical attention, or that a baby born into poverty should be entitled to an education. As this essay unfolds, the societies that both Rawls and Nozick present us with will unravel, allowing one to compare both visions and argue whether or not both societies can be regarded to as equal.
For Rawls there are two very basic principles of society. Firstly, each person is to have an equal right to the most extensive basic liberty compatible with a similar liberty for others” . ... Here Rawls focuses upon the social and economic inequalities within society. Rawls also highlight that he believes all members of society, regardless of their social status or materialistic wealth should be able to gain a place in office, contributing to the fair and just of society. ... In summary this principle suggests that an equality is unjust, unless it is a necessary means to improving the position of the least well off members of society. Notably, Rawls does not believe that justice requires equality, there may be just inequalities. ... It is also evidenced that Rawls is one of the few whose social arrangements are based on the worst off. ... Hence Rawl’s vision is based on a distinct group of society, in diminishing Marginal Utility.
The Original Position furthermore describes a society whereby the economic arrangement and welfare are predetermined by a society in which each member is cloaked under a ‘veil of ignorance’3 In Rawl’s society, member are egoists, their aim in choosing principles is to do as well for themselves as they can. ... “ No one knows his place in society, his class position or his social status”4Under the veil of ignorance in which one does not no if he is rich or poor, decisions made should be of benefit to all and not biased.
It can also be evidenced that Rawls is a philosopher who is to an extent an institutionist. As noted in the Original Position where positions and offices should be open to all, and furthermore in the Difference principle, Rawls’ society is one in which the organisation of economic structures should benefit the poorest people. Hence, these economic institutions provide opportunities for those with poorer lives to blossom and become equal to those in more fortunate positions. Rawls understands and accepts that persons have differing natural abilities, furthering this Rawls does not believe that this is just or unjust. Rawls does however believe that what is just or unjust is how institutions deal with these differences. ... 5
Nozick, on the other hand, for whom Rawls’ work was a stepping stone provides a differing vision to Rawls. Nozick bases much of his vision on a minimal state, believing that government interference is unjust, imposing restrictions on individual rights. For Nozick the rights of a person is infringed upon when the government has some control over one’s personal possessions and property. ... As described by Nozick the minimal state is “limited to the narrow functions of the protection against force, theft, fraud and enforcement of contracts”6 etc.
Approximate Word count = 3230
Approximate Pages = 12.9
(250 words per page double spaced)
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