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How does Rawls derive his two principles of justice? Discuss the Original Position and the Veil of Ignorance. Does Rawls’ derivation of his principles strike you as plausible as a basis for ideal political theory?
Sample Answer
Rawls’ Derivation of the Two Principles of Justice: The Original Position and the Veil of Ignorance
John Rawls derives his two principles of justice, namely the principle of equal basic liberties and the difference principle, through his thought experiment called the “Original Position” and the concept of the “Veil of Ignorance.” These concepts serve as a basis for his ideal political theory, aiming to ensure fairness and justice within society. This essay will discuss the Original Position and the Veil of Ignorance, and evaluate whether Rawls’ derivation of his principles is plausible as a basis for ideal political theory.
The Original Position
The Original Position is a hypothetical scenario proposed by Rawls to determine the principles that would govern a just society. In this thought experiment, individuals are placed in a situation where they are completely free from any knowledge about their personal characteristics, such as their gender, socioeconomic status, or natural talents. They deliberate behind a “Veil of Ignorance,” which prevents them from knowing anything that could potentially influence their self-interest or biases.
Within the Original Position, individuals are rational and self-interested but have no knowledge of their particular circumstances or preferences. From this position, they must make decisions that will determine the principles of justice that will govern society.
The Veil of Ignorance
The Veil of Ignorance is a crucial component of Rawls’ framework. It ensures that individuals in the Original Position are unbiased and impartial when making decisions about the principles that will shape society. Behind the Veil of Ignorance, individuals cannot favor their own interests or privileges because they lack knowledge about their particular circumstances. This encourages individuals to consider the needs and interests of all members of society, regardless of their personal positions or advantages.
The purpose of the Veil of Ignorance is to create a fair and just society by detaching individuals from their specific circumstances and encouraging them to adopt a universal perspective. It prompts individuals to prioritize principles that would benefit everyone equally, especially those who may find themselves in less advantageous positions.
Plausibility as a Basis for Ideal Political Theory
Rawls’ derivation of his principles through the Original Position and the Veil of Ignorance has been both praised and criticized.
On one hand, many find Rawls’ framework plausible as a basis for ideal political theory. The Original Position ensures fairness by removing biases and self-interest from decision-making, allowing for impartiality and equal consideration of all members of society. The Veil of Ignorance prompts individuals to prioritize principles that would benefit the least advantaged, thus addressing socioeconomic disparities and promoting social justice.
On the other hand, some argue that Rawls’ framework is overly idealistic and detached from real-world considerations. Critics contend that it is implausible to expect individuals to completely detach themselves from their personal circumstances and biases. Furthermore, some argue that Rawls’ emphasis on redistributive justice may undermine individual freedom and property rights.
While Rawls’ derivation may not be flawless, it serves as a valuable tool for conceptualizing justice and fairness in society. It encourages us to consider the impact of our decisions on all members, especially those who are most vulnerable.
Conclusion
Rawls derives his two principles of justice, the principle of equal basic liberties and the difference principle, through his thought experiment called the Original Position and the concept of the Veil of Ignorance. These concepts aim to ensure fairness and impartiality in decision-making by removing biases and self-interest from individuals’ considerations. While there are criticisms regarding the plausibility of Rawls’ framework as a basis for ideal political theory, it provides a valuable tool for conceptualizing justice and promoting social justice within society.
