Reference no: EM133284059

The Backstory: Rawls believes we can understand what justice is by considering the idea of what we would consider a 'fair agreement.' An agreement between two people, according to Rawls, might not technically be 'fair' even if the contract does happen to be voluntary. In order to have a fair agreement, it must also be made against a background understanding of equality. Rawls claims that it is unfair or unjust if one of the two parties is able to take advantage of the other because she is stronger, wealthier, better informed, or simply more powerful.

Sample Situation: You have a leaky toilet and the plumber tells you that it is going to cost almost $1000 to repair. You agree to this price, completely unaware that the usual price for the same type of repair is only $100. Rawls would ask, 'Is the contract between you and the plumber voluntary? Is the contract fair?'

Question: You are poor and cannot find work due to Michigan's economic depression. One day a new employer comes to Traverse City and offers you a job in the company's factory for a wage of one dollar per hour. [In this scenario there's no minimum wage law.] The employer exerts no pressure on the offer. He says, quite politely, "Take it or leave it." You accept the offer with gratitude because you have no other reasonable alternative to making money.

1. Is the contract between you and your new employer voluntary?

2. Is the contract fair? Why or why not?

3. What would John Rawls say?