A Critique of John Rawls’ Social Justice Theory and the Fate of Nigeria’s Politics in the 21st-Century and Beyond

Abstract

In the present, one of the major problems plaguing the Nigerian society is that of social justice. And great thinkers from time immemorial have attempted to discuss the meaning of and the need for social justice in a society like Nigeria. But recently, a contemporary American social and political thinker, John Rawls, is his advocacy for social justice, is very vocal in the need and eventual formation of the social theory concept. Thus, this paper attempts to give a philosophical critique of Rawls’ conception and the necessity of the application of his social justice theory in the Nigerian political landscape. This work does not intend to present Rawls’ position as the most logical, perfect social and political arguments in the consideration of social justice. But it intends to point out some defects about Rawls’ social justice. But the main consideration shall be on the need and relevance of it to the Nigerian nation. In this way, it shall effectively point to the evils that can accompany its negligence.

Keywords: Social Justice, Political Stability, Social Freedom, and Rawls’ Theory.