A Theory of Justice
John Rawls
5 people recommended it in 3 threads, 2010–2022.
What people on Hacker News said
If you can get through it: John Rawls's A Theory of Justice...an important book with a few very important ideas.
Whether you agree with Rawls' conclusions or not it's a brilliant, meticulously argued book, albeit incredibly dense.
Best challenge to Utilitarian thinking I know of. (E.g. slavery is wrong not because bad outweighs good, but rather because it is inherently wrong when seen from the perspective of the original position)
Where it comes up
- Ask HN: Best Philosophical Books? 2010 · 3 recommendations
- Ask HN: Which books have made you a better thinker and problem solver? 2022 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Which non-technology book has influenced you the most and why? 2017 · 1 recommendation