Stephen Downes

This a substantial revision of the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy's article on John Rawls and is recommended reading for anyone interested in social and political philosophy (including ethics). It states Rawls's central arguments clearly and concisely: "His theory of justice as fairness describes a society of free citizens holding equal basic rights and cooperating within an egalitarian economic system. His theory of political liberalism explores the legitimate use of political power in a democracy, and envisions how civic unity might endure despite the diversity of worldviews that free institutions allow." I also recommend reading his A Theory of Justice, though at 561 pages it's a much more substantial investment in time.