Rawls and Sandel

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In this episode of Beyond the Text, Samuel Woodall and Jack Thomson take a deep dive into the thought of John Rawls, exploring his major contribution to liberal political philosophy and the critiques it provoked from both libertarian and communitarian perspectives.

We begin with A Theory of Justice (1971), where Rawls develops his influential idea of "justice as fairness"—a theory grounded in the principles of liberty and equality, structured around the thought experiments of the "original position" and the "veil of ignorance." Rawls offers a bold moral argument for a redistributive welfare state, aiming to reconcile freedom with social cooperation.

We then explore the key critiques of Rawls. Robert Nozick’s Anarchy, State, and Utopia (1974) challenges Rawls from the right, defending a minimal state based on property rights and voluntary exchange. On the other side, Michael Sandel offers a communitarian response, questioning Rawls' abstract model of the individual and pushing back against the idea that justice can be detached from cultural and moral context.

Together, we trace the philosophical rifts between egalitarianism, libertarianism, and communitarianism—and reflect on how these debates remain vital for understanding justice, power, and the limits of liberalism today.

📚 Recommended Reading:

John Rawls, A Theory of JusticeRobert Nozick, Anarchy, State, and UtopiaMichael Sandel, Liberalism and the Limits of Justice

🎙 Hosted by: Samuel Woodall & Jack Thomson
🎧 Podcast: Beyond the Text

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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

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