John Rawls Quotes on Knowledge
John Rawls was a 20th-century American political philosopher whose 1971 book A Theory of Justice is the most influential work of political philosophy of the post-war era. This page collects quotes attributed to John Rawls on the topic of knowledge, drawn from across the philosopher's works.
Quotes
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“The principles of justice are chosen behind a veil of ignorance.”
Chapter I, Section 3, pg. 12 -
Attributed to John Rawls:
“Reasonable persons see that the burdens of judgement set limits on what can be reasonably justified to others.”
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“This is a long book, not only in pages.”
Preface, pg. viii -
“I am particularly grateful to Nozick for his unfailing help and encouragement during the last stages.”
Preface, pg. xii -
“Chapter I, Section 1, pg. 3-4”
Justice is the first virtue of social institutions, as truth is of systems of thought. A theory however elegant and economical must be rejected or revised if it is untrue; likewise laws and institutions no matter how efficient and well-arranged must be reformed or abolished if they are unjust. Each person possesses an inviolability founded on justice that even the welfare of society as a whole can -
“Chapter I, Section 2, pg. 10”
The concept of justice I take to be defined, then, by the role of its principles in assigning rights and duties and in defining the appropriate division of social advantages. A conception of justice is an interpretation of this role. -
“Chapter I, Section 3, pg. 12”
The principles of justice are chosen behind a veil of ignorance. -
“Chapter I, Section 3, pg. 15”
It may be expedient but it is not just that some should have less in order that others may prosper.