A Comparative Study of the Theoretical Foundations of Liberal States and the Views of John Rawls

The discourse and theories of governance are among the important subjects in the field of public law. Liberal and constitutional states, despite their theoretical and sometimes functional differences, share certain common elements as theories of governance in their essence and foundation. Among these shared elements are freedom, equality, and impartiality of the state. The variations in the understanding and interpretation of these elements and their interrelationships are the most justifiable reasons for the emergence of different types of liberal and constitutional states within the broader scope of these elements. This descriptive-analytical article suggests that the differences in liberal schools of thought have their roots in the perception of the "freedom" element and its relationship with other elements. Depending on the prioritization of the quantity and extent of individuals' enjoyment of fundamental freedoms or the prioritization of the quality of people's enjoyment of these freedoms, other elements, such as equality and impartiality of the state, assume different natures and functions. The formation of classical liberalism and egalitarian liberalism can be attributed to this very matter. John Rawls distinguished freedom from the value of freedom by establishing two principles of justice. He rejected the mere enjoyment of freedom without considering the quantity and quality of people's enjoyment of it. Rawls interpreted the value of freedom as equal enjoyment of it by all individuals, and his views on the elements of equality and impartiality of the state aimed to uphold the value of freedom and enable a greater portion of the population to enjoy these freedoms.