Justice and Equality: Philosophical Perspectives of John Rawls and B.R. Ambedkar

Abstract

This paper explores the comparative philosophy of justice as articulated by John Rawls and B.R. Ambedkar, two influential thinkers who, though separated by context and tradition, converge on the central concern of building a just society. Rawls, through his theory of “justice as fairness,” emphasizes equal basic liberties, fair equality of opportunity, and the difference principle, employing the original position and veil of ignorance as tools for impartial reasoning within liberal democratic institutions. Ambedkar, in contrast, frames justice as the annihilation of caste and the realization of liberty, equality, and fraternity, focusing on the lived experiences of social exclusion and the necessity of structural reform. While Rawls offers a universal and abstract model of distributive justice, Ambedkar presents a pragmatic and context-specific vision rooted in the socio-political struggles of India. Their comparative analysis highlights both the universality and contextuality of justice, offering critical insights for contemporary debates on equality and democracy.