Publication Details

Abstract

Rawls’ concept of individual autonomy emphasizes rational decision-making in creating a just social order behind the veil of ignorance. Rawls considers the individual as a rational actor of the social contract and proceeds from a hypothetical construction, which is, however, empirically unverifiable. He does not take into account the complexity of human values, while adhering to exhaustively defined primary goods, which Rawls, however, selectively models according to the principles of his previously modeled concept of a well-ordered society. Rawls’ understanding of autonomy in Kant’s intention will be criticized in the text. Rawls’ model of individual autonomy is determined by the utilitarian understanding of the realization of the social good. In this context, the article solves the problem of individual autonomy to make decisions in the heteronomy of social interests and the needs of a well-ordered society, as well as the problem arising from normative conflicts between the deontological and utilitarian traditions.