Question 1

Rawls discusses moral development particularly in the context of ______.

Accepted Answer

Rawls discusses moral development particularly in the context of the family, as he argues that a child's initial sense of justice is formed within the family structure and through interactions with parents and siblings. He emphasizes the importance of parents teaching children both the idea of fairness and the skills necessary for cooperative behavior.

Question 2

One of the most controversial parts of Rawls' theory is his treatment of inequality. According to Rawls,all social values,including rights,income and wealth,and the basis
Of self-respect,are to be distributed equally unless ______.

Accepted Answer

According to Rawls, an unequal distribution can be allowed if it benefits everyone, not just the least advantaged. This is known as the "difference principle," which allows for inequalities that make everyone better off, even if some benefit more than others. Therefore, option B is the correct answer.

Question 3

In Rawls' theory,the highest or final period in the development of morals is morality of ______.

Accepted Answer

Rawls argues that the highest or final period in the development of morals is morality of principles, characterized by the recognition that each person has an equal right to basic liberties, and that social and economic inequalities should be arranged to benefit the least advantaged. This is based on the idea of the original position, where individuals would come up with principles of justice behind a veil of ignorance, not knowing their own position or abilities in society, and would choose principles that are fair for all. This morality of principles is seen as the culmination of moral development because it recognizes and respects the equal worth and dignity of each person.

Question 4

Rawls believes that children develop a sense of justice and morality in two stages, based primarily on their ______.

Accepted Answer

Rawls argues that children develop a sense of justice and morality primarily through their family life, as it is the first social structure they encounter and learn from.

Question 5

The principles and the ______ concern hypothetical people in a hypothetical situation.

Accepted Answer

The original position is a hypothetical situation in which people are asked to make decisions about the distribution of goods and services without knowing their own personal circumstances. This is meant to ensure that people make decisions that are fair and just, rather than decisions that benefit themselves.

Question 6

Rawls' theory and its underlying principles apply to ______,not the actions of individuals.

Accepted Answer

Rawls' theory of justice is primarily concerned with the principles that should govern the basic structure of society, including institutions such as the legal system, government, and the market economy. It is not designed to provide a framework for guiding individual behavior or decision-making. Rawls argues that in order to create a just society, we must first establish a set of principles that prioritize fairness and equality for all, and then design social institutions that operate in accordance with these principles. Therefore, the best answer is A) institutions.

Question 7

Which term is defined as a public system of rules which defines offices and positions with their rights and duties,powers and immunities?

Accepted Answer

An institution is a public system that defines offices, positions, and their associated rights, duties, powers, and immunities, encompassing structures of governance, law, and societal norms.

Question 8

Similar associations arise through the school and the neighborhood,and through these institutions,the child learns ______.

Accepted Answer

The most appropriate option here is "morality" because schools and neighborhoods usually indoctrinate children with basic moral principles and values. Ethics and principles are also taught in schools, but they are more advanced and require a higher level of cognitive understanding, which may not develop until later in a child's life. Equality is also an important value that may be taught, but it is not as universal or fundamental as morality.

Question 9

It can be argued that Rawls's model ensures that at least the ______ are impartial and that this is a desirable feature of moral principles.

Accepted Answer

Rawls's model, particularly his concept of the "original position" and the "veil of ignorance," ensures that the principles chosen are impartial, as individuals do not know their place in society when selecting these principles. This impartiality is seen as a desirable feature for the fairness of moral principles.

Question 10

According to Rawls the first stage of moral development occurs in the family and is called ______.

Accepted Answer

Rawls asserts that the first stage of moral development is the "morality of authority," which is developed in the family. In this stage, children learn to obey authority figures and follow established rules without necessarily understanding the reasons behind them. The other choices listed (A, B, and D) are not recognized stages of moral development according to Rawls.

Question 11

As to the distribution of wealth and income under the second principle ______.

Accepted Answer

The second principle of justice requires that the distribution of wealth and income be to the advantage of all, but it does not demand absolute equality. In addition, it states that positions of authority and offices of command must be accessible to everyone, regardless of their social and economic backgrounds. Therefore, all three options (A, B, and C) are correct, making choice D the best answer.

Question 12

He assumes that the well-ordered society includes the ______.

Accepted Answer

In John Rawls' theory of justice, the well-ordered society includes the basic institutions such as the family unit. Rawls believes that the family is an important social institution that provides care, support, and protection to its members, and should be protected and supported by society. Thus, choice A is the best answer. The veil of ignorance, morality of principles and morality of authority are important concepts in Rawls' theory, but they are not necessarily specific components of a well-ordered society.

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT one of the three stages of moral development according to Rawls?

Accepted Answer

Rawls' stages of moral development are morality of authority, morality of associations, and morality of principles. Morality of reducing injustice is not one of them.

Question 14

The ______ is egalitarian in nature in the sense that it places a restriction on the amount of inequality that is permitted.

Accepted Answer

The difference principle, as proposed by philosopher John Rawls, states that social and economic inequalities should be arranged to benefit the least advantaged members of society. This principle places a restriction on the amount of inequality that is permitted, making it egalitarian in nature.

Question 15

Benn (1998)suggests that it is unrealistic to discount talents and abilities,as Rawls proposes in the ______.

Accepted Answer

Rawls proposes the concept of the original position, where individuals are placed in a hypothetical state of ignorance about their own abilities and talents. This is done to ensure that fair principles of justice are established, not biased towards any particular individual's abilities or talents. However, Benn argues that it is unrealistic to discount the importance of talents and abilities as these factors may influence an individual's social position and opportunities in life.

Question 16

Rawls explains that his intention is to present a ______ that is abstract in nature.

Accepted Answer

Rawls seeks to present a model of justice that is abstract and not dependent on any specific historical or cultural context. It is meant to be a hypothetical framework based on principles that anyone can accept, regardless of their social background or personal values. The other options listed are either not central to Rawls' theory (choices A and C) or are a specific concept within Rawls' theory (choice D).

Question 17

In defining justice,Rawls concentrates primarily on equality and ______.

Accepted Answer

Rawls' concept of justice as fairness emphasizes the importance of equal opportunities, distribution of resources and benefits, and fairness in decision-making processes. While due process is important, it is not the primary focus of Rawls' definition of justice. Finding truth and tradition are also not central to his definition.

Question 18

The ______ is to be assessed by reference to basic benefit to individuals who would otherwise be economically disadvantaged.

Accepted Answer

The common good refers to benefits or interests that serve all members of a community, especially those who are economically disadvantaged.

Question 19

Actions that move away from ______ are justified only if they benefit the least advantaged.

Accepted Answer

The statement refers to the concept of equality, which means that actions should not widen the gap between the advantaged and disadvantaged. Any action that moves away from equality must have a justification, and that justification is only valid if it benefits the least advantaged. This is a key principle in the theory of justice proposed by the philosopher John Rawls.

Question 20

What Rawlsian principle reflects the Kantian principle that people are never to be treated as means to an end but always ends in themselves?

Accepted Answer

The Difference principle reflects the Kantian principle that people are never to be treated as means to an end but always ends in themselves. Rawls argues that this principle requires that inequalities in the distribution of wealth, income, and opportunities must be arranged to benefit the least advantaged in society. This ensures that everyone is treated as an equal and respected as individuals with inherent dignity and worth, rather than as mere means to a social or economic end.

Quiz 16: A Sense of Justice