Ideal theory and the basic structure

Is a conception of justice restricted to institutions adequately ideal? Rawls argues that a basic structure of key social institutions is the site of distributive justice. G. A. Cohen observes that Rawls’ distinction between the basic structure and the rest of civil society is premised on a somewhat self-interested conception of human nature. Rawls seems to accept personal behaviour that produces morally arbitrary inequalities even in ideal theory. Cohen believes that this is an impoverished ideal of justice which should instead be based on an egalitarian ethos that evaluates personal conduct as well as background institutions. Using a parallel model to the prisoners’ dilemma, called the Gift of the Magi, I distinguish Cohen’s concern with self-interest from a more general problem of achieving social coordination even among people of goodwill. This justifies a basic structure without presuming any degree of moral fallibility.