SEEU Review vol. 5 Nr. 2 (pdf) - South East European University

Dr. Ercan Gündoğan
the different values of the different conceptions of good if the conception is
compatible with the principles of justice. “Things work themselves out
according to the principles that would be chosen in the original position”
provided that the difference principle is satisfied (Rawls, 1971, 94-5).
In a just basic structure, which includes a just political structure and just
arrangements of social and economic institutions, we have a just procedural
justice and hence institutions are adjusted to the two principles of justice. A
government that effectively operates competitive market, realises full
employment of resources and wide distribution of property and wealth
through taxation along with a social minimum, a fair equality of opportunity
(education for all) and the secured liberties complies with the difference
principle since the better-offs improve the conditions of the less-offs.
Otherwise, the principle can be met by the social minimum. The minimum
means that there are injustices. Nevertheless, attempts to meet difference
principle must be in tune with the demand of liberty and fair equality of
opportunity (Rawls, 1971, 87).
In the case of social goods, Rawls confesses that his thought changed in
some ways. For example, “primary goods” are revised so as to relate to
particular person and his higher interests. He emphasizes more than before
“the practical social task” for the justification of the conception of justice.
Besides, main aspects of justice as fairness and its content requires a
distinction between “Reasonable” and “Rational”, “the priority of right” and
the role of the conception of the person” as free and equal” and “capable of
autonomy” (Rawls, 1999, 388-99, n2).
Economic Regime: Rawls states that market economy emphasizes the
precept of contribution. However, from the standpoint of the contributors,
“no inference about the justice of final distribution can be drawn from
viewing the use of any precept in isolation”. He accepts that “common sense
precepts do not express a determinate theory of just or fair wages”.
Nonetheless, “some higher principle” is needed. One alternative is the
principle of utility and the other is Marx’s precept: “from each according to
his ability, to each according to his needs”. Nevertheless, Rawls’ choice is
the two principles of justice. The two principles determine the “correct
higher criterion”. Objection that the market is never perfect and that the
market is based on “exploitation” (to receive less than the contribution), be it
perfect or imperfect, is replied as such:
“In any case the conception of a suitably regulated competitive economy
with the appropriate background institutions is an ideal schema which shows
how the two principles of justice might be realized. It seems to illustrate the
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