What is John Rawls's theory of justice as fairness and its two principles?

• A. Equal basic liberties for all, and social/economic inequalities arranged to benefit the least advantaged.
• B. Absolute equality in all positions and elimination of private property.
• C. Freedom of commerce above all else and minimal government.
• D. Equal economic outcomes for all and state atheism.

Answer: (C)

Rawls’s idea of justice as fairness rests on guaranteeing fundamental freedoms for everyone and organizing social arrangements so that any inequalities help those who are worst off, while still ensuring fair opportunity for all.

The first rule is that each person should have equal basic liberties that are compatible with the liberties of others. Think of rights like freedom of thought, conscience, and political participation—these are essential, and everyone gets them in equal measure.

The second rule governs economic and social arrangements. Inequality is allowed only if it makes the least advantaged better off and if offices and positions are open to all under conditions of fair equality of opportunity. In other words, you can have wealth differences, but they must benefit the least advantaged and be accessible to everyone who is capable and motivated to compete for them.

So the best description is the one that names equal basic liberties and the idea that inequalities should be arranged to help the least advantaged, with opportunities open to all. The other options describe doctrines that Rawls rejects—unrestricted free markets with minimal government, or attempts at absolute equality or atheism—neither of which match justice as fairness.