The robust case for behavioural symmetry

Rawls argues that the political process is distinct from economic activity and conduct in civil society. Policies initially decided democratically are technical tasks that can be implemented by administrators acting in the public interest. I argue that, unlike constitutional moments and more abstract discussion of political morality, everyday politics often involves the instrumental pursuit of private or specific group interests. In contrast, there are many examples of market institutions facilitating opportunities for the expression of moral values even amidst instrumental rationality. It is therefore relevant to consider those parts of the political process which have similarities to activities within commercial and civil society. Since political actors do not reliably pursue the public good spontaneously, the pursuit of justice should include institutional constraints that discipline them to act for the benefit of citizens.