Liberty, equality, fraternity : three challenges to Rawlsian difference principle

The aim of the paper is to present and analyze one of the most important concepts in John Rawls’ justice as fairness system, precisely the Difference Principle, in the light of its criticisms. In the paper I attempt, in the first instance, to reconstruct Rawls' train of thought which leads him to the formulation of the two principles of justice. I will try to put special emphasis on those considerations in which the understanding of the Difference Principle and its function is expressed. In the second part of the paper, I shall concentrate on three major lines of criticisms of the Difference Principle. I have in mind here the critical arguments formulated by three contemporary theories of justice, i.e. libertarian, marxist and communitarian. Those three theories, de facto present a criticism of the principle from perspectives pivotal for particular social values: liberty, equality and fraternity (community). In the third concluding part, I shall address the objections presented and attempt to demonstrate how Rawls’ theory can be defended. Then, I shall present my own interpretation of the Difference Principle.