How the answer moves
The flow snapshot — the routes in, the body, the counter-view and the routes out.
Flow snapshot — how the answer moves
Intro routes
R1 contractual in method + distributive in result → the two bound together R2 the hypothetical contract is the source → it generates and justifies the distribution
Body flow
revives contract tradition (Locke / Rousseau / Kant), hypothetical not historical → original position + veil of ignorance → impartial choice + maximin → fairness from a fair agreement → same contract fixes distribution → primary social goods → first principle (equal liberties) → second principle (fair equality of opportunity + Difference Principle) → least advantaged / Barry's chain principle → Macpherson: defence of the liberal democratic welfare state
Counter-view
Hampton: not truly contractual (veil, not bargaining, yields the principles) → Nozick: distributive side is an end-state theory imposing a pattern
Conclusion routes
R1 a fair contract grounds a fair distribution → the two characters reinforce each other R2 despite the critics, Rawls opened a new era in justice theory
Model answer
Handwritten, in the form it would be written in the examination hall.
