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(analytical) normative political theory - Coggle Diagram
(analytical) normative political theory
Theory of Justice, John Rawls
provided...
a detailed and influential account of demands of justice in a liberal democracy society
methodology for political theorists
reflects in much detail on how to make sound political arguments
general question pursued
how the terms of social cooperation in society might be so arranged as to deliver on a key ideal we apparently share, at least in liberal democratic societies: the ideal of free and equal citizenship
how might we ensure that the ideal of free and equal citizenship is made a concrete in our day-to-day lives, as opposed to an ideal which we supposedly cherish but consistently fail to deliver on
how citizens might live together on terms which are fair to each, and therefore ensure that the exercise of the state's coercive power is justified
Rawlsian tests for confidence in theory credentials
reflective equilibrium
in this process a middle ground is shaped
when process is finalized, reflective equilibrium may have been found
analyzing a multitude of political and ethical perspectives, checking the coherence with prior held beliefs
impartiality: the veil of ignorance
blocks out information about ourselves, such as social class or the nature of our talent in making judgments on justice (original position)
if judgments pass this test of thought they can be deemed non-biased
a sound argument should...
be capable of fitting together into a broader theory of justice, and of illuminating our considered judgments (attain a state of reflective equilibrium)
be capable of emerging under a hypothetical decision procedure which models a kind of impartiality
two principles of justice