The World's Best Book Summaries
What is the original position? How does the original position inform John Rawls’s theory of justice? “The original position” is the foundation of John Rawls’s theory of justice. The original position aims to determine the ideal theory of justice—one that a group of equals could rationally agree is best, regardless of their own personal backgrounds or circumstances. Keep reading to learn about the original position.
What motivates Vladimir Putin? What’s he after? What’s his strategy? In Battlegrounds, General H. R. McMaster explains Vladimir Putin’s emotional motivations. He also describes the methods by which Russia is reasserting itself as a world power. Read more for this enlightening and timely discussion of Russian aggression in Europe.
What is John Rawls’s difference principle? Under what circumstances should inequality be allowed in society? The difference principle is the second principle in John Rawls’s book A Theory of Justice. The difference principle states that instances of inequality should only be permitted if they make the least advantaged better off. Keep reading to learn about Rawls’s difference principle and the kind of circumstances that would call for it.
Why is North Korea such a threat to the world? Why haven’t economic strategies halted its aggression? What’s the answer to the North Korea problem? In Battlegrounds, General H. R. McMaster offers solutions to America’s foreign policy ills. He identifies North Korea as the riskiest “hot spot” in the world and recommends a coordinated effort to neutralize the threat. Read more to learn about McMaster’s ideas on how to deal with North Korea.
What is John Rawls’s “veil of ignorance” assumption? How can ignorance inform justice? The veil of ignorance is a device for helping people arrive at a rational definition of justice. The idea is that by imagining that they are ignorant about their personal circumstances—things like race, sex, gender, age, wealth, and religious beliefs—people can prevent their biases from interfering in their reasoning. Here’s why justice should be founded on ignorance, according to Rawls.
Has the U.S. been naive in its foreign policy since the end of the Cold War? Is overwhelming military force the answer to every threat? General H. R. McMaster describes how poor fundamental assumptions have clouded U.S. foreign policy in ways that are detrimental to itself and other nations. He discusses how these flawed assumptions have led to foreign policy failures in multiple corners of the world. Continue reading to learn about McMaster’s take on U.S. foreign policy.
What is Section 230 in terms of social media companies? Why is it being challenged? U.S. Code Section 230 is a law saying companies that provide access to information via the internet are not liable for content posted by third parties. If the Supreme Court rules that Section 230 doesn’t apply to social media companies, they will likely block all controversial content to limit their liability. Read on to learn about Section 230 and how these changes may transform social media as we know it.
Are you looking for John Rawls’s quotes from A Theory of Justice? What are some of the most noteworthy passages worth revisiting? In A Theory of Justice, John Rawls explores the best and most just way a society can distribute social goods like rights, wealth, and power. He argues that people can and should determine the distribution of these goods entirely through reason, rather than by appeals to one’s identity—sex, race, religion, etc. Below is a selection of passages highlighting some of the key ideas.
How should the U.S. deal with Russian aggression and Chinese economic warfare? In what ways should the U.S. go on the offensive? In Battlegrounds, General H. R. McMaster describes the global challenges that the U.S. faces. He believes they can be met under certain conditions. He urges the U.S. to remain vigilant against open aggression and to use the truth to counter the propaganda of oppressive regimes. Read more to learn McMaster’s recommendations regarding American military strength in the current global climate.
What’s a definition of justice everyone can agree on? How should wealth and power be distributed in society? What obligations do citizens have to each other? These are some of the questions John Rawls confronts in his 1971 work, A Theory of Justice. The conclusion is Rawls’s theory of “justice as fairness,” which merges liberalism’s emphasis on equal rights and individualism with economic equality and safety nets for the most vulnerable members of society. Below is a brief overview of John Rawls’s book A Theory of Justice.