An Abstract Theory of Justice

Abstract

This chapter outlines an abstract theory of justice which forms the basis of the instrumentalist view defended in the rest of the book. The theory is based on two foundational features of individuals, their welfare and their dignity. These features contribute to the hybrid structure of the resulting theory of justice, which recognizes both constraints (actions that should never be done) and aims (outcomes that we should try to bring about). The chapter sketches the outlines of an argument why, on this theory of justice, substantive components of justice will be more important than procedural components.