"The role of philosophy in a democratic society is to help citizens clarify their own political values and to find public reasons for their political positions."

"The idea of a liberal democracy is that citizens are free and equal and have a right to participate in the political process."

"The idea of a constitutional democracy is that political power is to be exercised according to a constitution that is publicly affirmed by all citizens."

"The idea of reflective equilibrium is a state of affairs where one has considered various proposed principles and has revised one's judgments and principles until they cohere."

"Each person possesses an inviolability founded on justice that even the welfare of society as a whole cannot override."