To what extent do you agree or disagree with Rawls's theory of justice as fairness? Can you propose an alternative theory?

Read one of Rawls's articles from the Collected Papers (1999). What is his argument? How does it integrate with his theory of justice as fairness? To what degree do you agree or disagree with Rawls's argument in this article?

Rawls references several influential philosophers (as listed in the Key Figures section of this entry). Choose one of these philosophers and learn more about his life. What were this individual's contributions to philosophical thought?

A Theory of Justice was first published in 1971, a period of significant upheaval in American history. Research one of the major events or series of events that occurred in the United States between the mid-1960s and mid-1970s. How did this event raise issues relevant to Rawls's idea of a just society?

Assess your own society using the principles of justice as fairness proposed by Rawls. To what extent is it a just society in its fundamental political and legal structure? In what ways do you find it to be an unjust society? What steps could be taken to make it more just?