How does the operation of PHARMAC's 'Community Exceptional ...

just actions by individuals. The theory was characterised by the following
principles:
and
Each person is to have an equal right to the most extensive liberty
compatible with a similar liberty of others.
Social and economic inequalities are to be arranged so that they are both
(a) to the greatest benefit of the least advantaged and (b) attached to
positions and offices open to all under opportunities which apply the
conditions of fairness and equality of opportunity.
(Rawls, 1971, p. 60)
The first principle is known as the difference principle. To get to this position
using Rawls’ theory, some explanation of the elements of the thought
experiment is necessary. Rawls suggested that it is realistic to search for a
utopia where participants are free to make choices that would form a well
functioning and moral society. Rawls acknowledged that there are many
constructions of society throughout the world, but his theory is a modern
demonstration of a conception of justice which applies to functioning democratic
societies. In such conditions justice is conceived of as “those principles which
rational persons who are concerned to advance their own interests would agree
to when they do not know if they are advantaged or disadvantaged by social or
natural contingencies” (Rawls, 1971, p. 91).
Rawls asserted that participants in the thought experiment were free and equal.
Notes were collated by Kelly from Rawls’ lectures to his philosophy students at
Harvard University (Kelly, 2003). In his notes Rawls’ description of the meaning
of ‘free and equal’ is captured. Kelly described Rawls’ understanding of a free
person as one fully capable of engaging in social co-operation over a complete
life. This definition has two aspects to it. The first is for persons who have the
essential minimum degree of moral powers necessary to be able to understand,
apply and engage in social co-operation over a complete life. The second
aspect of being a free citizen is that the people would regard themselves as
“self-authenticating sources of valid claims” (Rawls, 1971, p. 479).
Rawls explained self-authentication as a set of rights which one can impose on
oneself, such as self-command, self-esteem, self-movement, self-interest, self-
endorsement, self-protection and self-control. Rawls’ notion of freedom is that
55