Rawls 'A Theory of Justice' and Its Critics

John Rawls''s A Theory of Justice has been enormously influential in philosophy, political theory, welfare economics and jurisprudence. This book is a systematic study of Rawls''s work. It provides a clear and concise account of Rawls''s ideas, situates them within contemporary debates and submits them to critical scrutiny.

The authors discuss the background against which A Theory of Justice was written, the contractarian character of Rawls''s theory, his claims about justice and his arguments for them. Finally the authors look at Rawls''s emerging self-interpretation and self-critique, identifying the different phases of his later development.

Clear and accessible to non-specialists, this book will also be of great value to students in philosophy, sociology and economics.