Difference Principle

Definition

The difference principle is a concept in John Rawls' theory of justice, which states that social and economic inequalities are only justified if they benefit the least advantaged members of society. It aims to ensure that any inequalities that arise work to the greatest benefit of the worst-off individuals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The difference principle is one of two principles of justice proposed by John Rawls in his seminal work 'A Theory of Justice'.
2. It is intended to ensure that any economic and social inequalities that arise work to the greatest benefit of the least advantaged members of society.
3. The difference principle is derived from the maximin rule, which states that individuals in the original position should choose the alternative that maximizes the minimum payoff.
4. Rawls argues that the difference principle would be chosen by rational individuals in the original position behind the veil of ignorance, as it protects the interests of the worst-off.
5. The difference principle is contrasted with the principle of strict equality, which Rawls rejects as it fails to account for individual differences and incentives.

Review Questions

• Explain how the difference principle is derived from the maximin rule in Rawls' theory of justice.
  • The difference principle is derived from the maximin rule, which is a decision-making principle in Rawls' theory of justice. The maximin rule states that individuals in the original position, behind the veil of ignorance, should choose the alternative that maximizes the minimum payoff. This ensures that the worst-off members of society are protected and that any inequalities that arise work to their greatest benefit. Rawls argues that the difference principle, which allows for inequalities only if they benefit the least advantaged, would be chosen by rational individuals in the original position as it aligns with the maximin rule's focus on ensuring the best outcome for the worst-off.
• Analyze how the difference principle contrasts with the principle of strict equality in Rawls' theory of justice.
  • Rawls rejects the principle of strict equality, which would require that all social and economic goods be distributed equally, as it fails to account for individual differences and incentives. In contrast, the difference principle allows for inequalities, but only if they work to the greatest benefit of the least advantaged members of society. Rawls argues that the difference principle is more just than strict equality, as it recognizes that some inequalities may be necessary to provide incentives and encourage productivity, as long as the benefits of these inequalities accrue to the worst-off. The difference principle thus seeks to balance the need for fairness and the recognition of individual differences, in a way that the principle of strict equality does not.
• Evaluate the role of the veil of ignorance in Rawls' justification of the difference principle as a principle of justice.
  • The veil of ignorance is a crucial component of Rawls' justification of the difference principle as a principle of justice. By imagining individuals in the original position, deliberating on principles of justice while behind a veil of ignorance about their social status, natural abilities, and other contingent facts, Rawls argues that they would choose the difference principle. This is because the veil of ignorance encourages individuals to adopt a perspective that prioritizes the interests of the worst-off, since they could end up in that position themselves. The difference principle, with its focus on ensuring that any inequalities benefit the least advantaged, aligns with this impartial perspective fostered by the veil of ignorance. Rawls contends that the difference principle would be chosen by rational individuals in the original position precisely because the veil of ignorance leads them to adopt a concern for the least advantaged as a guiding principle of justice.

Related terms

Original Position: A hypothetical scenario in Rawls' theory where individuals choose principles of justice from behind a 'veil of ignorance' about their place in society, in order to arrive at fair and impartial principles.

Veil of Ignorance: A thought experiment in Rawls' theory where individuals deliberating on principles of justice are unaware of their social status, natural abilities, and other contingent facts about themselves.

Maximin Rule: A decision-making principle in Rawls' theory which states that individuals in the original position should choose the alternative that maximizes the minimum payoff, in order to ensure the best outcome for the worst-off.