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Just society

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  • Rakesh K. Sarin

    (UCLA Anderson School of Management)

Abstract

I examine the foundations of a just society using the lens of decision theory. The conception of just society is from an individual’s viewpoint: where would I rather live if I have an equal chance of being any individual? Three alternative designs for a just society are examined. These are: laissez-faire, maximin and social minimum. Two assumptions about human nature clarify the distinction among three societies. The first assumption is that a representative individual’s utility function is concave. The second assumption recognizes that redistribution to achieve equality reduces total wealth. A rational individual would prefer a society where one is free to maximize one’s expected utility. A social minimum that includes both the provision of essential human needs and equality of opportunity (education, healthcare, access to capital) for a flourishing life emerges as a candidate solution for the basic structure of society.

Suggested Citation

  • Rakesh K. Sarin, 2021. "Just society," Theory and Decision, Springer, vol. 91(4), pages 417-444, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:theord:v:91:y:2021:i:4:d:10.1007_s11238-021-09806-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s11238-021-09806-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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