The concepts of John Rawls' theory of justice are used as the lens text in Kunnas' paper, "The Theory of Justice in a Warming Climate -- John Rawls' Theory Applied to Finland," to examine whether further economic growth could be justified in a warming environment. The author's goal is to determine whether the theory can be justified in terms of how economic development benefits those who are least fortunate, such as those who face social challenges. (Kunnas, 2012). As such, the key principles of Rawls’ Theory of justice that this article looks into include: First, “Each person is to have an equal right to the most extensive total system of equal basic liberties compatible with a similar system of liberty for all.” Two, “Social and economic inequalities are to be arranged so that they are both: (a) to the greatest benefit of the least advantaged, consistent with the just savings principle, and (b) attached to offices and positions open to all under conditions of fair equality of opportunity.” (Kunnas, 2012).
Comparatively, the article focuses on the second principle which the author uses to highlight and present issues including economic growth and social problems, the difference principle in a finite world, and issues of just savings rate and uncertain future. Examining the issues aforementioned in light of the two principles, Kunnas (2012), informs the audience that the economic growth cannot be taken as the sole policy goal while admitting that it only becomes a problem when there is the subordination of all other related policy goals.
Rawls and His Theory of Justice
According to Pogge (2007), Rawls was a political philosopher who held a James Bryant Conant University Professorship from Harvard University. Having obtained his Doctoral Degree, he devoted himself to using his knowledge, effort, and resources to constructive philosophical tasks. As such, he published many books and wrote several articles. Among his many literary works, his book “Theory of Justice” left foot prints in people’s minds then and now in aspects of its ability to address and define the social justice.
Correspondingly, his Theory of Justice takes into account the concepts of freedom as well as equality noting that they are not mutually exclusive. In attempts to enable the audience to conceptualize his opinions, he informs them that for justice to be truly regarded as just, every human regardless of race, tribe or origin must be afforded certain rights affirmed by the law (Pogge, 2007).
The Theory of Justice in Rawls’ perspective is in three parts. The first part is noted to be based on a fundamental question. For example, Rawls asked what kind of justice human race would want themselves subjected to in the event that they are stripped of social class and privileges. Responding that question, he opts for a justice system that would treat people equally. The second part informs the audience of the impacts of his theory on the current institutions. Imperative to note is that he confronts no one but explicitly state that no one is living to his expected standards of justice. Finally, the third part articulates the significance of having realistic, effective, and functional justice systems in the society (Pogge, 2007). For instance, there would be economic growth, working social relations and peaceful coexistence if a society is in agreement and that justice takes precedence.
References
Kunnas, J. (2012). The Theory of Justice in a Warming Climate--John Rawls' Theory Applied to Finland. Electronic Green Journal, 1(34).
Pogge, T. W. (2007). John Rawls: His life and theory of justice. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
