Basic Structure

Definition

The basic structure refers to the fundamental political, social, and economic institutions that shape the overall framework of a society. It is a central concept in John Rawls' theory of justice, as outlined in his seminal work 'A Theory of Justice'.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The basic structure is the primary subject of Rawls' theory of justice, as it is the foundation upon which the principles of justice are to be applied.
2. Rawls argues that the basic structure has a profound and lasting impact on the lives of individuals, and therefore, it must be designed to ensure fairness and justice.
3. The basic structure includes institutions such as the political constitution, the legal system, the economic system, and the family, among others.
4. Rawls believes that the basic structure should be designed to maximize the well-being of the least advantaged members of society, a principle known as the 'difference principle'.
5. The basic structure is the primary target of Rawls' principles of justice, which include the principle of equal liberty and the principle of fair equality of opportunity.

Review Questions

• Explain the role of the basic structure in Rawls' theory of justice.
  • In Rawls' theory of justice, the basic structure is the primary subject of concern, as it is the fundamental political, social, and economic framework that shapes the lives of individuals within a society. Rawls argues that the basic structure has a profound and lasting impact on people's lives, and therefore, it must be designed to ensure fairness and justice. The basic structure includes key institutions such as the political constitution, the legal system, the economic system, and the family, among others. Rawls believes that the principles of justice should be applied to the basic structure in order to maximize the well-being of the least advantaged members of society, a principle known as the 'difference principle'.
• Describe the relationship between the basic structure and the principles of justice in Rawls' theory.
  • According to Rawls, the basic structure is the primary target of the principles of justice, which include the principle of equal liberty and the principle of fair equality of opportunity. Rawls argues that the basic structure should be designed in a way that ensures the fair distribution of social goods, such as rights, liberties, opportunities, income, and wealth. The principles of justice are meant to guide the design of the basic structure, ensuring that it is fair and just, and that it maximizes the well-being of the least advantaged members of society. The relationship between the basic structure and the principles of justice is therefore central to Rawls' theory, as the basic structure is the primary subject of the principles of justice.
• Analyze the significance of the 'veil of ignorance' in Rawls' conception of the basic structure.
  • The 'veil of ignorance' is a crucial element of Rawls' theory of justice, as it is the thought experiment that informs the design of the basic structure. In the original position, individuals are assumed to be unaware of their social status, natural abilities, or position in society when choosing the principles of justice. This 'veil of ignorance' is meant to ensure that the principles chosen are fair and impartial, as the individuals making the decision do not know how they will be affected by the principles they choose. Rawls believes that this thought experiment leads to the selection of principles that maximize the well-being of the least advantaged members of society, as the individuals behind the veil of ignorance would not want to risk ending up in the worst-off position. The 'veil of ignorance' is therefore central to Rawls' conception of the basic structure, as it shapes the principles that should guide its design.

Related terms

Original Position: A hypothetical situation in which individuals choose the principles of justice from behind a 'veil of ignorance' that prevents them from knowing their place in society.

Veil of Ignorance: A thought experiment in which individuals are assumed to be unaware of their social status, natural abilities, or position in society when choosing the principles of justice.

Principles of Justice: The fundamental rules or guidelines that should govern the basic structure of society, as determined by individuals in the original position.