La Théorie de la justice de John Rawls. Contrat social versus utilitarisme

Abstract

John Rawls' a theory of justice. Social contract vs utilitarianism Rawls' A Theory of Justice constructs a modem version of the theory of social contract by emphasizing distributive justice, which attempts to offer an alternative to the utilitarian doctrine. Unlike utilitarianism, Rawls' theory is neither altruistic nor teleogical, but deontological : one must try to find the right rules without taking a stand on the purposes of individuals. These rules, the two principles of justice — the broadest basic liberties and democratic equality together with advantage granted to the underprivileged (fraternity) —, are in lexicographic order. They form a social optimum (what is right) compatible with, but taking precedence over, the economic optimum (relative only to what is good). The choice of these principles belongs to game theory. The players will choose them rather than those pertaining to any other doctrine because of the maximin criterion. Rawls is open to « public choice » critics who reject distributive justice (fraternity) on the basis of utilitarian arguments. Rawls' constructivism does not agree easily with the individualism and liberalism which he claims.