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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where did the early Intuitionists believe they got their appreciation of morals, rights and wrongs or fairness?

2. What does Rawls believe is the dominant theory of political philosophy throughout the 20th Century?

3. What does Rawls want his theory of justice to be?

4. How, according to Rawls, does justice help to assign rights and duties?

5. What is another name for the Original Position?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Rawls’ estimation, why is fairness the best virtue for society?

2. Why is it important that we have a Just society?

3. How is the Original Position often criticized?

4. What is the definition of the 'good' society in Rawls’ view?

5. Why does Rawls move away from Individualist ethics?

6. What does the term ‘a priori’ mean, and what is an a priori truth?

7. In what way is Democracy still a Utilitarian system?

8. What is the maxim of Utilitarian theory?

9. Why does the Original Position especially look after those less fortunate?

10. Is fairness always the same as equality, according to Rawls?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Evaluate Rawls’ claim that humans have a natural appreciation of fairness.

Essay Topic 2

Contrast Rawls’ Original Position of a an individual wanting fairness over all things with Nietzsche's view that human nature has the drive to be strong (the Will-to-Power).

Essay Topic 3

Examine and critique Rawls’ argument about religious tolerance/Intolerance. What arguments can you think of to support his claim and what detract from it?

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