The Social Contracts of John Locke and John Rawls: From the state of nature to the original position

Περίληψη

This article presents a comparative analysis of the social contract theories developed by John Locke and John Rawls. The author first examines Locke’s transition from a peaceful state of nature to a political society, emphasizing the pivotal role of "property"—defined broadly to include life, liberty, and estate—as the catalyst for legitimizing political authority and the right to civil disobedience. The focus then shifts to John Rawls, describing his construction of a fair society through the "original position". The study analyzes how Rawls utilizes the "veil of ignorance" to strip individuals of knowledge regarding their social status and natural talents, thereby ensuring that the principles of justice—liberty and equality—are chosen impartially. Ultimately, the comparison highlights how Rawls’s focus on justice and fairness reorients political liberalism toward a more objective and inclusive perspective compared to Locke’s focus on property rights.