A Critical Review of Foundations and Methodology of Rawls Theory of Justice
Editorial
Authors
Abstract
Rawls' "A Theory of Justice" has been one of most influential works in the subject in 20th century, to the extent that whoever writes on the subject nowadays, should address his views in a way, whether to refer to his theory or put forth critiques to present his own theory. Regarding this prominence, critical study of this theory would have a vital role in advancement of justice studies in our country.
According to our views, in studying any theory of justice three issues or elements should be put under scrutiny: First, what is the basis or the criterion of justice in that theory? The answer to this question will determine the methodology of the scholar in explaining his own concept of justice as well. Second, what is the domain in which justice is defined in that theory? Finally, what definition of justice is suggested by the theory? Reconstructing Rawls' theory in addition to the critiques of his responses to the above questions indicates that, in spite of Rawls' attempt and to suggest an alternative to the classical utilitarian theory of justice, his theory could have no distinct consequences.
Keywords
)