John Rawls's theory of justice, as articulated in 'A Theory of Justice,' is indeed both contractual and distributive, offering a powerful framework for understanding a just society. It is contractual in the sense that Rawls employs a hypothetical social contract to derive principles of justice. He introduces the concept of the 'original position,' where individuals, behind a 'veil of ignorance,' are unaware of their own social status, talents, beliefs, or personal characteristics. In this state of impartiality, rational individuals would, according to Rawls, agree upon two fundamental principles of justice to govern their society. This hypothetical agreement ensures that the principles chosen are fair and unbiased, as no one can tailor them to their own advantage.

The theory is distributive because these two principles specifically address the fair distribution of 'primary goods' – basic rights, liberties, opportunities, income, and wealth – which are essential for individuals to pursue their life plans. The first principle, the 'liberty principle,' asserts that each person is to have an equal right to the most extensive scheme of equal basic liberties compatible with a similar scheme of liberties for others. The second principle, the 'difference principle,' states that social and economic inequalities are to be arranged so that they are both (a) to the greatest benefit of the least advantaged, and (b) attached to offices and positions open to all under conditions of fair equality of opportunity. Thus, Rawls's theory is not merely about procedural fairness (contractual aspect) but also about ensuring a just outcome in the distribution of societal benefits and burdens, particularly for the most vulnerable members of society, making it profoundly distributive.