The Original Position and the Veil of Ignorance

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Political philosopher John Rawls believed that in order for society to function properly, there needs to be a social contract, which defines ‘justice as fairness’. Rawls believed that the social contract be created from an original position in which everyone decides on the rules for society behind a veil of ignorance. In this essay, it will be argued that the veil of ignorance is an important feature of the original position. First, the essay will describe what the veil of ignorance is. Secondly, it will look at what Rawls means by the original position. Thirdly, it will look at why the veil of ignorance is an important feature of the original position. Finally, the essay will present a criticism to the veil of ignorance and the original position and Rawls’ potential response to this.

What is The Veil of Ignorance?

Rawls’ primary goal in designing the original position is to describe a situation that he believes would achieve the most extensive liberty and fairness possible to all the parties involved in his hypothetical social contract (Rawls, 1971). Rawls believes that in order to achieve this level of fairness, it must be assumed that the parties involved are situated behind a ‘veil of ignorance’ (Rawls, 1971). This veil of ignorance deprives all of the parties of all knowledge of arbitrary facts about themselves, about other citizens, from influencing the agreement among the representatives (Rawls, 1971). For example, “no one knows his place in society, his class position or social status; nor does he know his fortune in the distribution of natural assets and abilities, his intelligence and strength, and the like.” (Rawls, 1971, 137) Rawls argues that if rational people found themselves in this position, they would al...

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...e veil of ignorance is an important feature of the original position. The veil of ignorance eliminates arbitrary advantages by setting up a fair initial contract situation. Without the veil of ignorance, there would be little chance of an outcome that is unbiased and based on equality of all. If societies were to be constructed without the veil of ignorance or the original position, everyone in the society would be motivated by fear of power and threat. These individuals would be living in a society that is unjust and unfair because most people would be looking to further their own individual goals at the expense of others. Therefore, living with the veil and the original position is better than living without it because people will be all given an equal opportunity in life, be treated fairly and live in a society that encourages cooperation and prevents conflict.

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