History of Ideas Club: Rawls and Sandel
In this session of the History of Ideas Club, we dive into the thought of John Rawls, one of the towering figures of 20th-century political philosophy, and explore the debate he sparked with thinkers like Robert Nozick and Michael Sandel.
Rawls’ seminal work, A Theory of Justice (1971), redefined liberal political thought with his concept of "justice as fairness"—a vision rooted in equality, individual liberty, and the famous thought experiments of the "original position" and the "veil of ignorance." His model of a just society aimed to balance freedom with social cooperation, offering a compelling moral justification for a redistributive welfare state.
We also examine the powerful critiques that followed. Robert Nozick’s Anarchy, State, and Utopia (1974) launched a libertarian counterattack, defending a minimal state and voluntary transactions over Rawlsian redistribution. Michael Sandel, meanwhile, challenged Rawls from a communitarian angle, questioning the liberal assumption of a detached, rights-bearing individual at the heart of justice.
Join us as we unpack the Rawlsian legacy, the philosophical tensions it exposed, and why this debate remains central to contemporary discussions on fairness, freedom, and the role of the state.
📚 Recommended Reading:
John Rawls, A Theory of JusticeRobert Nozick, Anarchy, State, and UtopiaMichael Sandel, Liberalism and the Limits of Justice🎙 Hosted by: The History of Ideas Club
📍 Recorded live in LondonSubscribe for more deep dives into the ideas that shape our world.
Beyond the Text: The Intellectual Historian's Podcast
Welcome to Beyond the Text, a podcast series dedicated to delving into intellectual history with depth and context. In a world saturated with quick takes, Beyond the Text goes the extra mile. Paying homage to Skinner's insights on the importance of context, this podcast unveils overlooked aspects of historical and intellectual narratives.
Co-hosted by Samuel Woodall and Jack Thomson, Beyond the Text explores the profound impact of thought and ideas throughout human history—forces that have driven change, shaped societies, and sparked revolutions. Beyond the mere words on the page, this podcast unravels the layers surrounding pivotal concepts and moments. Each episode meticulously examines the connections, influences, and societal currents that contribute to their evolution.
Join us on this journey to grasp the true significance of intellectual history. Whether you're an enthusiast, a curious mind, or someone intrigued by the myriad forces shaping our world, Beyond the Text provides a space for nuanced exploration. Tune in and venture beyond the surface to understand the rich tapestry of our intellectual heritage.
Samuel Woodall is a PhD candidate in Intellectual History at the University of Buckingham. He previously earned an MLitt in Intellectual History from the University of St. Andrews and a BA (Hons) in History and Politics from the University of Exeter.
Jack Thomson holds an MA in Philosophy from the University of Buckingham and brings a philosophical lens to the exploration of ideas, ensuring each discussion is both rigorous and thought-provoking.
- No. of episodes: 42
- Latest episode: 2025-05-09
- Society & Culture History Philosophy
Where can you listen?
