John Rawls Conception Of The Original Position

Philosopher John Rawls aimed to determine principles of justice based on equality through his conception of the original position and the veil of ignorance. Rawls argued that individuals within a society who are in the original position would choose the difference principle to determine the allocation of resources. Rawls’ conception of justice revolves around two principles. The first principle argues that each person is to have an equal right to the most extensive system of equal basic liberties (Kymlicka, 56). The second principle presents Rawls’ two principles of justice, the difference principle and the principle of fair and equal opportunity (Kymlicka, 56). The difference principle states that the social and economic inequalities are to
The veil of ignorance is a hypothetical situation which Rawls believes will prevent arbitrary and personal characteristics that individuals may have from influencing their choices. Within the veil of ignorance, individuals are not aware of their own characteristics such as class position, gender, natural abilities (Kymlicka, 63). The purpose of the veil of nature is to guarantee that individuals are not aware of their advantages or disadvantages over others in order to guarantee fairness for all in the original position. If an individual believes that he might be grossly disadvantaged with a disability once the veil of ignorance is gone, that individual will be more likely to support measures which will be to the advantage of those who are worst off. Individuals in the original position are truly equal as they all possess the same rights in choosing the principle they want to govern their lives. If an individual behind the veil could believes he could have a crippling disability once the veil has been removed, that individual will choose the difference principle as the difference principle will be to the advantaged of those who are worst off. Individuals who are in the original position and behind the veil of ignorance will be more likely to defend principle of justice that will protect them and best allow them to live a good life. By removing possible bias, Rawls aims to ensure equality within the