《正义论》对古典自由主义的修正

A Theory of Justice: A Revision to Classical Libe ralism

罗尔斯《正义论》所提出的公平的正义理论对古典自由主义做了三点主要的修正。首先 ,它拒绝功利主义 ,用一种修正了的洛克主义传统取代其在自由主义政治哲学中的主导地位 ;其次 ,它批评洛克主义传统默认自然的偶然性对人的生活起点的任性影响的缺陷 ,并努力使平等的自由获得实质的保障 ;第三 ,它以康德式解释改造洛克式自由主义传统 ,使后者成为一种理性设计的程序性正义。罗尔斯的修正具有理论的意义。不过 ,由于将公平的正义的原则理解为仅仅是适用于基本制度的 ,罗尔斯修正古典自由主义并同时提出公平的正义的理论工作可以说是优点与缺点并具。

In A Theory of Justice (1971), Rawls revises classical liberalism in three m ain dimensions. First, he rejects utilitarianism as a dominant political philosophy, placing in its place a revised version of Lockean thought. Next, he criticizes the latter for its tacit approval of the arbitrary effects of natural contingenc ies on the starting points of man's life. He makes further efforts in substantia lly assuring the equal liberty for all. Thirdly, he corrects Lockean liberalism with a Kantian explanation, reforming the former into a conception of procedural justice. Rawls' revisions is indeed a contribution to theory. However, as he co nceives the principle of justice as applying only to basic institutions, his rev ision and his arguments about justice as fairness holds both merits and demerits .