Definition of The Maximin Principle: The maximan principle is a justice criterion proposed by the philosopher Rawls. A principle about the just design of social systems -- e.g., rights and duties. According to this principle the system should be designed to maximize the position of those who will be worst off in it.

"The basic structure is just throughout when the advantages of the more fortunate promote the well-being of the least fortunte, that is, when a decrease in their advantages would make the least fortunate even worse off than they are. The basic structure is perfectly just when the prospects ofthe least fortunate are as great as they can be." -- Rawls, 1973, p 328 (Econterms)

Terms related to The Maximin Principle:
None

About.Com Resources on The Maximin Principle:
None

Writing a Term Paper? Here are a few starting points for research on The Maximin Principle:

Books on The Maximin Principle:
None

Journal Articles on The Maximin Principle:
None

<Return to Main Page>