maximin principle

ethics

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June 30, 2026

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The maximin principle, in ethics and decision theory, is a strategy that aims to maximize the minimum possible outcome. It's a way to make choices when faced with uncertainty, particularly when considering the worst-case scenario.12

In essence, when applying the maximin principle, one chooses the option that offers the best possible result even if the most unfavorable circumstances occur. This approach is often contrasted with utilitarianism, which focuses on maximizing overall happiness. The maximin principle, however, prioritizes safeguarding those who are worst-off, ensuring their welfare is improved as much as possible. This principle is a key component of John Rawls's theory of justice, emphasizing fairness and protection for the least advantaged members of society.21

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ethics
Rawls’s theory of justice
…is known as the “maximin” principle, because it seeks to maximize the welfare of those at the minimum level of society. Such a principle might be thought to lead directly to an insistence on the equal distribution of goods, but Rawls pointed out that, if one accepts certain assumptions…
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…is known as the “maximin” principle, because it seeks to maximize the welfare of those at the minimum level of society. Such a principle might be thought to lead directly to an insistence on the equal distribution of goods, but Rawls pointed out that, if one accepts certain assumptions…
Read More