Making Sense of A Theory of Justice
Making Sense of A Theory of Justice

Summary/Abstract: The primary aim of this interpretive essay is to reconstruct some of the most importantfeatures of Rawls’s theory of justice, and to offer a hypothesis about how itsassumptions and arguments are tied together in a highly structured construction.An almost philological approach is adopted to highlight Rawlsian ideas. First, Iconsider in what sense Rawls is an individualist and in what sense he is not. Fromthis I conclude that he ought not be charged of psychological egoism or atomism.Then I consider the role of rational choice, the contract and the relation of the latterto the criterion of reflective equilibrium. Here, pride of place is given to the reflexivemethod, while the role of contract and rational choice, though not denied, isdowngraded. Finally, I enquire whether Rawls can be considered a universalist,and suggest that this category, owing to the theory’s practical aim and pragmaticmethod, is of little use. If successful, my reconstruction should offer a better insightinto the theory and dispel some possible misunderstandings. But my presentationshould not be read as either an assessment or a defense.

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