Rawls' Theory of Justice from a Buddhist Perspective
📜 Introduction to Rawls' Theory of Justice
American philosopher John Rawls (1921–2002) proposed the thought experiment of the "veil of ignorance" in his work "A Theory of Justice":
✅ Veil of Ignorance and Original Position: Imagine that you have not yet been born and do not know whether you will be rich or poor, healthy or disabled, intelligent or mediocre, part of a majority or minority race... Under this "veil of ignorance," rational and self-interested individuals must design a social system in which they would be willing to live, regardless of their position.
🔎 Inference: Without knowledge of their own circumstances, people would not choose utilitarianism (for fear of becoming a minority sacrifice) or extreme libertarianism (for fear of becoming part of the social underclass), but would tend to choose a system that safeguards the most disadvantaged.
🔹 Rawls' Two Basic Principles of Justice
1. Principle of Equal Basic Liberties: Every person should enjoy the most extensive basic liberties compatible with the same liberties for others (such as freedom of speech, belief, assembly, etc.), and these freedoms should not be sacrificed for economic efficiency or the happiness of the majority.
2. Difference Principle: Social and economic inequalities must satisfy two conditions:
- They must benefit the least advantaged members of society;
- Positions and offices must be open to all, ensuring equal opportunity.
This theory challenges elitism: it argues that individuals' talents, family background, upbringing, and willingness to work are not purely personal determinants but are influenced by "moral arbitrariness." Therefore, society should adjust distributions to allow the disadvantaged to live with dignity.
🔹 Contribution" A Theory of Justice" has become an important philosophical basis for modern welfare state systems, emphasizing freedom, equality, and concern for the disadvantaged.
🪷 Buddhist Perspective: Comparison and Supplement
1️⃣ "Equanimity" and "Equality of All Beings
"The "Lotus Sutra" states: "All sentient beings possess Buddha-nature," indicating that regardless of wealth, intelligence, or status, every sentient being is fundamentally equal and possesses infinite potential. This aligns with Rawls' emphasis on equality under the "veil of ignorance," as Buddhism holds that if a social system fails to respect the dignity of all life, it contradicts the core of Buddhist teachings.
2️⃣ The Principle of Generosity Corresponds to the Difference Principle
Buddhism regards generosity as fundamental to practice. The "Upāsaka Precepts" teach: "If you see someone in poverty, you should generate compassion and give according to your ability and heart." Buddhism does not believe that the weak should bear their own burdens; instead, it advocates for social members to support the disadvantaged and co-create a prosperous society, which highly aligns with Rawls' difference principle that inequalities should benefit the least advantaged.
3️⃣ Causality and Social Responsibility
While Buddhism emphasizes causality and karma, the "Aṅguttara Nikāya" reminds us: "Human lives are interdependent; there is no independence." This indicates that humans do not survive solely on their own strength; since life depends on various conditions, society has a responsibility to ensure everyone’s basic livelihood and prevent long-term deprivation due to "past karma" or "birth circumstances."
4️⃣ "Boundless Heart" Complements Rawls' Institutional Justice
Rawls emphasizes institutional safeguards, but Buddhism adds the need for a spiritual dimension: the Four Immeasurables (loving-kindness, compassion, empathetic joy, and equanimity) are core methods taught by the Buddha for cultivating an equal and altruistic heart. This not only establishes systems to protect the disadvantaged but also inspires individuals to spontaneously help others and reduce disparities.
5️⃣ The "Mahāyāna Nirvāṇa Sūtra" Respects the "Dignity of Buddha-Nature" of Every Life
The scripture states: "The Tathāgatagarbha is eternal, unchanging, and indestructible," viewing every sentient being as having infinite value, corresponding to Rawls' "principle of basic liberties," which holds the highest respect for individual freedom and dignity.
✅ Summary of Comparison
Rawls' concept of the veil of ignorance aligns with the Buddhist notion of "equality of all": human dignity should not differ based on birth, caste, or wealth.
Rawls' difference principle safeguards the interests of the disadvantaged, resonating with the Buddhist spirit of generosity and compassionate assistance.
Buddhism further advocates for "spiritual equality" and "compassion," ensuring that justice transcends mere legal or institutional frameworks, integrating self-benefit and altruism to collectively create good.