A Theory of Justice
by John Rawls
A Theory of Justice by John Rawls holds a well received rating of 3.91 out of 5, based on 8.5K reader ratings. First published in 1971. The book spans 824 pages.
About A Theory of Justice
Since it appeared in 1971, John Rawls's A Theory of Justice has become a classic. The author has now revised the original edition to clear up a number of difficulties he and others have found in the original book.Rawls aims to express an essential part of the common core of the democratic tradition - justice as fairness - and to provide an alternative to utilitarianism, which had dominated the Anglo-Saxon tradition of political thought since the nineteenth century. Rawls substitutes the ideal of the social contract as a more satisfactory account of the basic rights and liberties of citizens as free and equal persons. "Each person," writes Rawls, "possesses an inviolability founded on justice that even the welfare of society as a whole cannot override." Advancing the ideas of Rousseau, Kant, Emerson, and Lincoln, Rawls's theory is as powerful today as it was when first published.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | John Rawls |
| Published | 1971 |
| Pages | 824 |
| Genres | Philosophy, Non-Fiction, Classics |
| Average Rating | 3.91 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 8,472 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is A Theory of Justice?
A Theory of Justice is categorized as Philosophy, Non-Fiction, Classics. Its primary genre classification is Classics.
Is A Theory of Justice worth reading?
Based on 8.5K reader ratings, A Theory of Justice has an average score of 3.91 out of 5.00, which is considered "Well Received."
How many pages is A Theory of Justice?
A Theory of Justice has 824 pages. It is a longer read suited for dedicated readers.
Who wrote A Theory of Justice?
A Theory of Justice was written by John Rawls. It was first published in 1971.
What is the ISBN for A Theory of Justice?
The ISBN-13 for A Theory of Justice is 9780674017730.0.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
