Rawls, John

"Equal respect for persons requires that their fundamental interests receive equal consideration."

"Justice as fairness provides a basis for political unity despite reasonable disagreement about the good."

"The basic structure of society is the primary subject of justice."

"Justice as fairness is not a complete contract theory. It is a theory of the basic structure of society."

"A just society must ensure that inequalities benefit the least advantaged members."

"The original position is a device of representation, not a historical fact."

"We should not assume that existing institutions are just simply because they exist."

"Political philosophy must grapple with the question of how free and equal citizens can live together."

"Stability is a crucial test of any conception of justice."

"The veil of ignorance ensures that principles are chosen fairly."

"A well-ordered society is one where everyone accepts the same principles of justice."

"Toleration is essential in a diverse democratic society."

"Self-respect is perhaps the primary good in a just society."

"Citizens in a democracy must respect one another as equals."

"The capacity for a sense of justice is fundamental to human nature."

"We must distinguish between ideal theory and non-ideal theory in political philosophy."

"Fair equality of opportunity requires more than formal non-discrimination."

"The difference principle permits inequalities only if they benefit the worst-off."

"Constitutional democracy aims to protect fundamental liberties for all."

"Reasonableness and rationality are distinct and both necessary for social cooperation."

"Public reason constrains what we can appeal to in political arguments."

"A liberal society respects the diversity of comprehensive doctrines its citizens hold."

"Justice requires that institutions be arranged to benefit the least advantaged."

"The right is prior to the good in a theory of justice."

"Political legitimacy rests on the consent of free and equal citizens."

"Overlapping consensus is how pluralistic societies maintain political stability."

"We should distinguish between the reasonable and the unreasonable rejection of principles."

"Basic liberties have priority and cannot be traded off for economic gains."

"A society's basic structure profoundly shapes the life prospects of its members."

"Civil disobedience can be justified when fundamental injustices persist."