2019 Year 12 IB Extended Essays

Ayn Rand’s Objectivism and John Rawls’ Theory of Justice

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Instead, Rawls’ theory of justice could easily underpin contemporary societies with its

focus on civil liberty and social welfare.

Case Studies

The following case studies are used as evidence to show the different rates of income

inequality within Norway, the United States of America and Australia in relation to the

social-economic theory expressed by the nation. I will be able to make direct

comparisons with each case study and then conclude which social contract theory fits

modern nation states the most. The Gini ratio represents wealth distribution through a

measure of statistical dispersion.

Case 1: Social Justice in Norway

Norway proves that Rawls’ Theory of Justice is not only applicable in the modern age

but rewarding. Norway is a socialist democracy that still engages with financial

markets. The Norwegian government is heavily involved in its economy and must be to

be able to economically justify the amounts it spends on social welfare. 24 The social

contract between the individual and the government mirrors that of the one presented

in Rawls’ Theory of Justice. The justice system in Norway has numerous laws to protect

personal liberty and property. Norway undermines the traditional view that capitalism

succeeds the most without any government intervention. 25 Norway scores a 25.8

(Appendix 1) resulting in it having the 8 th lowest income inequality. 26 Norway’s social

24 Corrigan, G., 2017. Future of Economic Progress. [Online] 25 Hodgson, G. M., 2018. The Conversation. [Online] 26 Index Mundi, 2019. Gini Index. [Online]

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