Page "A Theory of Justice" Paragraph 6

Rawls claims that the parties in the original position would adopt two such principles, which would then govern the assignment of rights and duties and regulate the distribution of social and economic advantages across society.

The difference principle permits inequalities in the distribution of goods only if those inequalities benefit the worst-off members of society.

Rawls believes that this principle would be a rational choice for the representatives in the original position for the following reason: Each member of society has an equal claim on their society ’ s goods.

Natural attributes should not affect this claim, so the basic right of any individual, before further considerations are taken into account, must be to an equal share in material wealth.

What, then, could justify unequal distribution?

Rawls argues that inequality is acceptable only if it is to the advantage of those who are worst-off.