Revision

The results of a continuous revision process are a key aspect of Rawls's writing style. Critics often note that A Theory of Justice exemplifies Rawls's ongoing philosophical theorizing, which has spanned roughly forty years. First published in 1971, A Theory of Justice primarily consists of revised articles that Rawls had earlier published in academic journals, with some articles dating back to 1958. As a result, the evolution and refinement of his ideas from 1958 to 1971 can be observed within a single book. Additionally, Rawls made significant revisions to A Theory of Justice in 1975 to prepare it for translation into other languages. However, these changes were not included in the English version until 1999. Rawls noted that, until the 1999 edition, "the translated editions... have been superior to the original." Over the twenty-eight years following the initial publication of A Theory of Justice, Rawls continued to address questions and critiques from many of his critics. Hence, the 1999 revised edition integrates these developments along with the 1975 translation revisions into the original 1971 text.

Voice: First Person

Rawls presents his argument using both the first person singular—employing the pronoun "I" to signify the source of his ideas—and the first person plural—using the pronoun "we" to express collective thought. This approach contrasts with a method that uses an objective, or third-person perspective to deliver a philosophical argument. Rawls's choice of the first person singular narrative voice allows him to convey his ideas as those of an individual navigating a complex, sometimes imperfect, and provisional philosophy, rather than presenting them as the definitive and objective conclusions of an all-knowing third person narrator. Although Rawls discusses philosophical abstractions, his use of "I" helps present his ideas as the product of an ongoing thought process.

Rawls also employs the first person plural, using the pronoun "we" in phrases like: "We should do what we can to formulate explicit principles." By using "we," Rawls engages the reader in his thought process, inviting them to actively participate in considering the issues he is addressing. His use of both singular and plural first person narrative voices portrays his work as an ongoing dialogue with both himself and his readers, continuously developing and refining his theories.

Tone

Rawls confesses to the reader a measure of self-doubt regarding the success of his theory's development. This is not a flaw in his writing style; rather, it is an honest and realistic acknowledgment that he, like the reader, is just one individual trying to make sense of the world. He does not claim to provide the definitive answers to the timeless questions he tackles. Consequently, he permits himself to express uncertainties about his own concepts or to concede that some of his ideas are not fully formed yet. He conveys this with a tentative tone throughout the book, using phrases such as: "I shall try to show"; "I wish to develop"; and "It seems desirable at this point... to discuss."

Abstract

Rawls begins each of the three main sections of A Theory of Justice with an abstract—a concise description or summary of the ideas presented in that part of the book. Abstracts are commonly included at the beginning of academic articles, enabling the reader to quickly grasp the central argument that will be explored.