A Theory of Justice

High school (ages 12+)
Philosophy & Big Questions

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/a-theory-of-justice

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. Who wrote A Theory of Justice?John Rawls
2. What is the publication date?1971
3. What is the primary focus?Principles of distributive justice
4. What is John Rawls's "A Theory of Justice" about?It is a book that explains how to create a fair society where everyone gets equal rights and opportunities.
5. What is the "original position" and the "veil of ignorance"?It is a pretend game where people choose rules for society without knowing their own jobs, wealth, or talents, so they pick fair rules for everyone.

Distributive Justice: The fair allocation of resources, opportunities, and burdens within a society.
Deontology: An ethical theory that judges the morality of an action based on rules or duties.
Utilitarianism: An ethical theory that advocates for actions that produce the greatest good for the greatest number.
Social Contract Theory: A philosophical concept that political authority arises from a hypothetical agreement among individuals.