An Attempt at Comparative Analysis: The Construction of the Political, Democratic Participation and Social Tensions in Rawls and Zizek

Abstract

In political philosophy, the theoretical works of Rawls and Zizek hold a unique place in anticipating contemporary issues. Rawls declared the focus of his theoretical discussion to be determining the principles of justice that shape a well-ordered society. The notion of justice, on which Rawls focused theoretically, served to address the problems of how to overcome the inequalities inherent in the fundamental structure of capitalist societies. Zizek , however, believes that class status remains a structuring force that establishes politics in contemporary societies. Politics within this axis reflects a clear tension between those who lack social opportunities and those who have them. This tension is a constitutive element of both society and the socialized political. This article explores the theoretical endeavors of Rawls and Zizek along three axes. The first axis explores the dynamics through which political construction is formed and in what direction it takes shape. The second axis attempts to demonstrate how philosophers ground the concept of democracy. The third axis explores whether class has an impact as a determinant of political structure in contemporary societies.