Basic structure

Definition

Basic structure refers to the fundamental framework of a society's political and social institutions that governs the rights and obligations of its citizens. This concept is essential in understanding how justice is structured in society, particularly through John Rawls's theory of justice, which emphasizes fairness and equality in the distribution of resources and opportunities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Rawls argues that the basic structure of society should be designed to ensure that everyone has equal access to rights and opportunities.
2. The basic structure includes institutions like the legal system, political institutions, and economic arrangements that shape societal outcomes.
3. In Rawls's view, principles chosen in the original position would prioritize the least advantaged members of society, a concept known as the difference principle.
4. The basic structure is not just about laws but also involves societal norms and values that contribute to justice and fairness.
5. Rawls emphasizes that any discussions about justice must start from understanding the basic structure to achieve genuine equality.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of basic structure relate to the principles of justice outlined by John Rawls?
  • The concept of basic structure is central to Rawls's theory because it encompasses the institutions and norms that dictate how resources and rights are distributed in society. According to Rawls, for principles of justice to be fair, they must be applied within a society's basic structure, ensuring that all individuals have equal access to opportunities. The principles derived from the original position would inherently reflect an understanding of this structure, promoting fairness for all members.
• Discuss how the original position and veil of ignorance contribute to shaping an equitable basic structure in society according to Rawls.
  • The original position and veil of ignorance are critical tools for establishing an equitable basic structure. By imagining individuals making decisions without knowledge of their personal circumstances, Rawls ensures that chosen principles promote fairness and equality. This hypothetical scenario encourages rational individuals to advocate for a basic structure that protects the interests of everyone, particularly the least advantaged, thus fostering a more just society.
• Evaluate the implications of the basic structure on contemporary discussions about social justice and inequality.
  • Evaluating the implications of the basic structure reveals its profound impact on current discussions surrounding social justice and inequality. By understanding how institutional frameworks shape societal outcomes, we can critically analyze policies aimed at reducing inequality. The framework encourages a focus on reforming existing structures rather than merely addressing symptoms of injustice. This perspective highlights how deeply entrenched inequalities persist due to flawed basic structures, reinforcing the need for systemic change to achieve genuine social justice.

Related terms

Justice as Fairness: A political philosophy developed by John Rawls that proposes principles of justice that ensure fairness in the distribution of goods and opportunities.

Original Position: A hypothetical situation created by Rawls where individuals choose principles of justice behind a 'veil of ignorance,' unaware of their personal circumstances.

Veil of Ignorance: A method used by Rawls to eliminate bias in the decision-making process regarding justice, ensuring that individuals do not know their social status, talents, or personal characteristics.