Question

Discuss the difference between the philosophies of John Stuart Mills and the Rawlsian Maximum Criterion in the context of Welfare Economics.

Answer 1

John Stuart Mill. In the welfare state of John Stuart Mill, he advocates consistent programme of redistribution of income but this redistribution should not be done to specially serve poor. Mill supported a social program for serving poor however that should be under limit. He supported policies aimed at equality of opportunity but not at equality of outcome. He believed everyone should get equal opportunity to rise and improve their economic status.

Whereas, the welfare state of Rawlsian suggests that the whole system should be designed in order to maximize the position of poor. He advocates the idea that rich should promote the welfare of poor through their advantages and that poor and dependent of rich for their welfare.

The difference is that where, Mill takes about equality in opportunity Rawlisan talks about equality in outcome.