Free and Equal: Rawls Theory of Justice and Political Reform

Drawing on some of John Rawls' earlier work, the author offers a detailed exploration of how Rawlsian ideas impact the basic elements of Western democracies and the US Constitution and discusses the changes that would be necessary to make modern democracies more consistent with the basic values of liberal equality as understood by Rawls. The ideas of justice, equality, fairness, liberty, public reason, stability, the rule of law and other related concepts are the bases of the analysis of the US Constitution and suggestions for reform presented here. For many people, the American Dream has come to seem more like a vague hope than a real possibility. It is becoming increasingly clear that our society is faced with profound social and political problems which need to be confronted and addressed. Some of these problems are described in this book, and the solutions defended here are based on a deeper understanding of the underlying principles of the Constitution informed by the ideas of the philosopher John Rawls. This book is intended for the general educated public and college classrooms in political philosophy, philosophy of law, American government.