Ovidiu Cariani’s article examines John Rawls's "Justice as Fairness," focusing on the transition from a metaphysical to a political conception of justice (pp. 1, 9). It explores the debate between Rawlsian liberalism and communitarian critiques regarding the "unencumbered self" and the priority of right over good (pp. 3, 6, 10). Ultimately, Cariani analyzes how Rawls seeks stability in pluralistic societies through "overlapping consensus" and "public reason," while highlighting lingering challenges concerning moral motivation. THIS ABSTRACT IS GENERATED WITH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.