John Rawls
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Full Name and Common Aliases

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John Rawls was born on February 21, 1921, in Baltimore, Maryland. His full name was John Bordley Rawls.

Birth and Death Dates

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Born: February 21, 1921
Died: November 24, 2002

Nationality and Profession(s)

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John Rawls was an American philosopher who primarily focused on ethics and political philosophy. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential philosophers of his time.

Early Life and Background

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Rawls grew up in a family with strong ties to education. His mother, Anne Leland, was a schoolteacher, while his father, John Bardley Rawls, was an insurance company executive. The young Rawls showed exceptional academic talent from the beginning. He attended Phillips Exeter Academy before pursuing higher education at Princeton University.

At Princeton, Rawls was exposed to various philosophical ideas and thinkers. He developed a particular interest in ethics and justice, which would become central themes throughout his career. After graduating with honors in 1943, Rawls joined the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. During this period, he continued to study philosophy.

Upon returning from the war, Rawls went on to attend Cornell University, where he earned his Ph.D. in Philosophy in 1950. He then held positions at several institutions, including Harvard University and the City College of New York.

Major Accomplishments

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Rawls's most significant contribution is arguably his theory of justice as fairness, which was presented in his influential book A Theory of Justice (1971). In this work, Rawls introduced two main principles: the liberty principle and the difference principle. He argued that a just society should prioritize individual liberties while ensuring economic equality.

Notable Works or Actions

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Some notable works by John Rawls include:

A Theory of Justice (1971) - This book is considered one of his most significant contributions to philosophy.
Justice as Fairness: A Restatement (2001) - This work provides a restatement and expansion of his original theory.
Collected Papers (1999) - This collection includes various essays, lectures, and other works written by Rawls.

Impact and Legacy

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Rawls's impact on contemporary philosophy is profound. His ideas about justice as fairness have been influential in shaping discussions around social contract theory, distributive justice, and human rights. His work has also had a significant impact on fields such as economics, politics, and sociology.

His influence can be seen in the work of numerous scholars and thinkers who have built upon or critiqued his ideas. Rawls's legacy extends beyond academia; his concepts have been applied in various real-world contexts, including policy-making and social activism.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered

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John Rawls is widely quoted and remembered for several reasons:

His groundbreaking theory of justice as fairness has had a lasting impact on the field of philosophy.
His work continues to influence contemporary debates around issues such as economic inequality, social justice, and human rights.
His commitment to promoting a fairer society through philosophical inquiry has left a lasting legacy.

Overall, John Rawls was a dedicated scholar who made significant contributions to the field of philosophy. His ideas about justice continue to shape ongoing discussions around the world.