The humanity has always strived for equality. Various philosophers provided their ideas on development of a just society. People in some countries (including the USA) often note that they live in a democratic society that is just and fair. However, when taking a closer look at the societies, it is clear that there is no true justice there. It is possible to outline major features of the truly just society using principles offered by John Rawls.
It is clear that in a just society all people enjoy equal rights, have equal opportunities and contribute equally into the development of the society. Importantly, Rawls notes that the basis of such a society is a social contract (Chaffee 569). The social contract is an agreement among people in the society (or between the ruler and the people). Of course, this can be the crucial point for development of the just society. All members of the state has to agree to follow the rules set.
They should accept the order and try to contribute to development of the society. The social contract will ensure that all people know the rules, share similar values and agree to accept the existing rules. Otherwise, there will be no order in the society, as all individuals will have their values, their plans and their ways to achieve their goals. In such societies, people will focus on their personal needs and pay no attention to their development of the society. Of course, the social contract will also include major principles or pillars of the just society.
Before considering major principles that will govern in a truly just society, it is possible to pay attention to the concept of original position. When developing the social contract, the concept of the original position should be utilized. The original position is the position where people find themselves while developing the social contract. In this position, people do not know which specific qualities and capacities they have (Chaffee 584).
People do not know about their race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, social status and even physical and psychological qualities. They only know that they can perform certain basic tasks that are necessary for development of the society. Of course, in such situation, each person will try to make sure that all members of the society will have equal opportunities, as they cannot predict if they will be in a more beneficial position and will be able to become more well-off.
Interestingly, Rawls denies effectiveness of utilitarianism, which is often seen as a basis of the development of the just society (Mack par. 4). The philosopher states that only an individualistic approach can be efficient. This is apparent when people are put in the original position. They are motivated by the desire to gain as more opportunities for themselves as possible. Thus, each individual will try to develop principles and rules that will not discriminate any group as they can appear in any group (even the least privileged or well-off). Ironically, the most individualistic desires can ensure the fairest society.
The major principle (proposed by Rawls) is that “social and economic inequalities” that are inevitable should be “arranged so that they are” to “the greatest benefit of the least advantaged” (McCabe par. 4). Of course, all people are different and they have different capacities. Some are more successful in sciences; some are better at sports or manual work and so on. According to the principle mentioned above a truly just society will be characterized by the following peculiarities.
The social contract will ensure that all groups of people will be able to access training and education equally. Thus, in the truly just society all young people get an equal amount of training. Clearly, all these people will have different capacities and interests and, hence, they will acquire skills and knowledge differently. Some will excel in languages while some will have extensive expertise in history or technology.
All these people should find their place in the society. Of course, this does not mean that they all can get the job they want or earn as much as others. However, the social contract should ensure that people will be placed in the most appropriate positions. Thus, those who excel in sciences will become scientists, and so on. There should be an effective measurement system to help people chose the sphere for them, but anyone will be able to try any other sphere (though if he/she fails, he/she will have to return to the sphere assigned by the measurement).
It is also important to ensure that wealth is distributed properly. Of course, the most talented or hardworking people should get more but there should be basic support of those who are less efficient. Basic pensions can be assigned to such people. However, this does not mean that these people will not work as they will also contribute to the development of the society by completing tasks they can effectively accomplish.
In conclusion, it is possible to note that ideas and beliefs of Rawls can help develop the truly just society. The principles are based on individualism, social contract development, which, in its turn, is based on the concept of original position. In the truly just society, all people will contribute to the development of the society and will have the necessary support.
Works Cited
Chaffee, John. The Philosopher’s Way: A Text with Readings: Thinking Critically about Profound Ideas. Boston: Pearson, 2013. Print.
Mack, Eric. “Blind Justice: John Rawls and A Theory of Justice.” The Atlas Society. 2001. Web.
McCabe, Helen. “John Rawls & Justice.” Philosophy Now: A Magazine of Ideas. 2015. Web.