Should a Decent Society become Liberal?

Abstract

In a particular view, John Rawls’ theory has two components. First is “Political Liberalism” which applies to western societies that over the past centuries have established a democratic structure and adhere to the rule of law. However, this theory is not a “comprehensive conception” and not for every society, but it is associated with them in the second component of Rawls’ theory. This is presented in The Law of Peoples. In this book Rawls elaborates his theory regarding societies which lack a democratic heritage, yet are regarded as “Decent Societies” and have the potential to become liberal societies. In his view, by accepting a non-liberal societies into the Society of People, the non-liberal society will be encouraged to become liberal. In this article we consider the theory proposed in The Law of Peoples with reference to Iranian society.