Lale Goncuoglu
Tenzile Erdogan Kiz Anadolu Imam Hatip LisesiClass of 2021Istanbul, Beykoz
About
Hello! I'm Lale, and my Polygence project is on John Rawls's Theory of Justice and utopian thinking. I chose to work on this project because I've always been interested in politics, especially how moral questions and dilemmas shape and lead political agents and actors. After completing my project, I would like to continue my studies in ethics and further explore other aspects of Rawls's theory.Projects
- In Search of the Just: Reflections on John Rawls’s Ideal Theory with mentor Will (Oct. 8, 2022)
Project Portfolio
In Search of the Just: Reflections on John Rawls’s Ideal Theory
Started May 11, 2022
Abstract or project description
In A Theory of Justice, Rawls presented a picture of what he envisioned as just society that runs under favorable conditions that presume principles of justice, which were adopted under the veil of ignorance. The true principles of justice will be established in this respect since the veil of ignorance ensures that no one is disadvantaged or benefited by any factor, including contingencies, natural chance, or social circumstances. Rawls’s ideal theory has been challenged, particularly by realists, for a lack of contact with reality and recognition of the true character of humanity. Thus, the realists argue, the ideal theory does not apply to real-world environment, people, and institutions. In this paper, I will define the ideal theory, following Rawls, as a just society that occurs in a realistic utopia after all non-ideal factors have vanished. I will argue for the necessity of ideal theory on the grounds that it allows us to identify both humankind's limitations and potential while also serving as a guide to establishing a just society for which we must strive. I will further argue that ideal theory depicts a realistic utopia by combining realist and utopian features and I will demonstrate these features establishes both imaginable and achievable in the form of an exemplary just society. Finally, I will address and response to realism criticisms and offer some points on ideal theory that needs improvement.