1. Contemporary Liberalism: John Rawls: Justice as Fairness l All citizens should share in a society’s wealth and be given equal economic opportunities l In a just society, rational individuals under a veil of ignorance about their original position in the society should endorse a theory that: l gives everyone as much liberty as possible l allows for the unequal distribution of wealth only when the existence of such inequalities benefits everyone and is accessible to everyone

2. l Communitarianism: the State’s authority does not depend on the consent of individuals; rather, individuals depend on the State for their fulfillment and identity (Aristotle, Hegel) l Feminism: because women typically are expected to focus on private (family) matters, they are excluded from full participation in the social contract Critiques of Social Contract Theories Susan Okin

3. l Human beings are naturally inclined to work and be sociable. Capitalism alienates us from the products of our labor and thus alienates us from ourselves and others l Only communal ownership of property can counteract social alienation Karl Marx (1818-85)