PREPARATION

For this week we are studying the conceptions of justice that shape the modern Western world. Students are to prepare for the suggestion by reading sections 1-4, 10-13, 20-24 of John Rawls, A Theory of Justice (note that the 'sections' are the numbered subheadings within each chapter, so, e.g., sections 1-4 fall within chapter 1, sections 10-13 fall within chapter 2, and sections 20-24 fall within chapter 3).

The text may be found at this link. Note that you will may need to sign up for a free account in order to be able to borrow the text electronically.

https://archive.org/details/theoryofjustice0000rawl/mode/2up

Note: students may well find it worthwhile to supplement their reading of Rawls with a look at two other short texts:

1. Chapters 1, 8, and 9 of Locke's Second Treatise of Government, which can be found through the following link. The text usefully illustrates the founding assumptions of modern liberal theory. Rawls understands himself to be arguing for the same principles as Locke: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/7370/7370-h/7370-h.htm

2. Susan Moller Okin's short essay responding to Rawls from a feminist perspective. It raises important questions for considering modern liberal theory generally, and Rawls' work particularly: Moller Okin—For Whom-.pdf

TO DO

1. Attend a lecture introducing modern liberal conceptions of justice from 10.15-12 in room AK2 137, Pedagogen Hus A. If they wish, students may consult the following lecture outline:

2. Attend the seminar for your seminar group, either from 13.15-15.00 or from 15.15-17.00. Both seminars will take place in room AK2 139. Students are to prepare for the seminar by reading the assigned text carefully and arriving prepared to discuss its content. Students should, e.g., reflect on how the author presents the question of justice, whether a particular vision of justice is presented in the text, how this vision is developed, and what significance it might have for us.

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