To Bedlam and Part Way Back
1991; Society of Christian Philosophers; Volume: 8; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês
10.5840/faithphil19918438
ISSN2153-3393
Autores ResumoThe diversity of human wants, needs, actions, passions, and opinions within a pluralistic society is undeniable.Given such diversity, the classical definition of justice as "to each his or her due" does not readily translate into material principles for the distribution of social benefits and burdens.Indeed, a theory of justice suited to liberal democracies may seem an impossible ideal.In this paper, I examine John Rawls's attempt to formulate such a theory despite the odds.I highlight the evolution of his views over the last twenty years-a course I characterize as "to Bedlam and part way back"-but conclude that these views are not a fit candidate for Christian affirmation.It's better, I think, to embrace what I call "the priority of agape to political philosophy.""Justice (fairness) originates among those who are approximately equally powerful, as Thucydides ... comprehended correctly ....... justice is repayment and exchange on the assumption of an approximately equal power position .... Justice naturally derives from prudent concern with self-preservation; that means, from the egoism of the consideration: 'Why should I harm myself uselessly and perhaps not attain my goal anyway?'"[Nietzsche, Human, All-Too-Human, 92, appearing in Basic Writings of Nietzsche, tr. by Walter
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