Rescuing Justice and Equality

In Rescuing Justice and Equality, philosopher G.A. Cohen challenges John Rawls's theory of justice, focusing on two key principles from Rawls's work. Cohen examines and critiques the incentives argument that justifies economic inequalities when they benefit the least advantaged members of society. The book presents Cohen's systematic response to Rawlsian ideas about justice through careful analysis of fundamental concepts like the basic structure of society and the difference principle. Cohen develops alternative interpretations of core elements in political philosophy while engaging with critics and defending his positions. Through detailed argumentation spanning multiple chapters, Cohen builds a case for a more stringent egalitarian view than Rawls proposes. He questions whether inequalities can be justified solely on the basis that they create incentives that help the worst off. The work represents a significant contribution to debates about social justice, equality, and the foundations of liberal political theory. Its arguments raise fundamental questions about the relationship between individual choices, social structures, and moral principles.

Readers note Cohen's rigorous philosophical arguments against John Rawls' difference principle and theories of justice. Many appreciate his systematic dismantling of Rawlsian arguments using clear examples and counter-arguments. Liked: - Clear writing style makes complex philosophy accessible - Strong logical reasoning and examples - Thorough engagement with Rawls' key ideas Disliked: - Dense academic prose requires slow, careful reading - Some sections become repetitive - Arguments can feel abstract and removed from real-world applications Ratings: Goodreads: 4.09/5 (34 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (6 ratings) Select Review Comments: "Cohen methodically takes apart Rawls' arguments piece by piece" - Goodreads reviewer "Important contribution to political philosophy but requires patience" - Amazon reviewer "The cricket examples help illustrate complex points about incentives and inequality" - Philosophy student review

A Theory of Justice by John Rawls This foundational text establishes principles for distributive justice through the thought experiment of the 'veil of ignorance,' which Cohen directly engages with in his work.

Anarchy, State, and Utopia by Robert Nozick This libertarian response to Rawls presents arguments for minimal state intervention and property rights that Cohen systematically challenges in his writings on equality.

On the Currency of Egalitarian Justice by G. A. Cohen This collection of Cohen's essays expands upon themes from Rescuing Justice and Equality, developing his critiques of Rawlsian theory and luck egalitarianism.

Why Not Socialism? by G.A. Cohen This text applies Cohen's egalitarian principles to broader questions of economic systems and social organization, building on the philosophical framework established in Rescuing Justice and Equality.

Justice as Fairness: A Restatement by John Rawls This refined presentation of Rawls's theory of justice addresses many criticisms raised by Cohen and others, making it essential reading for understanding the debate between the two philosophers.

🔹 G.A. Cohen wrote this book as a direct challenge to John Rawls's theory of justice, particularly focusing on Rawls's "difference principle" which suggests that economic inequalities can be justified if they benefit society's least advantaged members. 🔹 The author, Gerald Allan Cohen, was one of the leading figures of analytical Marxism, a movement that applied analytical philosophy methods to Marxist theory, earning him the nickname "the pied piper of the left." 🔹 Cohen wrote much of this book while battling serious health issues, completing it shortly before his death in 2009, making it one of his final contributions to political philosophy. 🔹 The book's key argument that talent-based pay is unjustified sparked significant debate in philosophical circles, as it challenged commonly held beliefs about merit-based compensation in modern economies. 🔹 Despite its complex philosophical arguments, the book includes personal anecdotes and examples from Cohen's life, including his experience growing up in a working-class Jewish community in Montreal, which shaped his egalitarian views.