The Two Main Principles of Rawls’ Theory of the Original Position
Distributive Justice
Part I – Introduction
John Rawls’ Theory of Justice is based on the idea of distributive justice, that is, how justice should be distributed to each individual within a society. Rawls’ theory contrasts with the theory of utilitarianism, because it values the welfare of each individual over the ‘greater good’, and does not believe that one person should sacrifice their own needs or desires in order to benefit a larger number of people. This has led Rawls to develop the idea of the ‘Original Position,’ a hypothetical social contract, which Rawls believes would lead to an ideal society of ‘justice as fairness.’ (Rawls, A Liberal Theory of Justice, pp 577, para 1.) Throughout this essay, I will outline Rawls’ theory of the Original Position, and the main two principles of justice that make up his theory. I will discuss two common objections against this theory, and possible responses that Rawls would have to these objections.
Part II – Original Position defined
The Original Position is Rawls’ conception of justice, which would set up rules that an ideal society would abide by in order for justice to be fairly distributed amongst each member of the society. In order for fair and equal opportunities to be allowed to each individual, Rawls believes that a society must first start out with each member in an initial position of equality, under what he terms ‘a Veil of Ignorance.’ This veil would ensure that nobody knows their position in society, and that everybody is ignorant to specific details regarding race, class, religion and economic standing. Each person would be provided with only the basic details of how the society is structured. (Rawls, A Liberal Theory of Justice, pp 578, para 1.) Such a veil of ignorance, Rawls believes, would encourage each person to be rational and mutually disinterested when choosing the rules of society, and because nobody knows which position they would be in when the veil is lifted, an individual would
Part I – Introduction
John Rawls’ Theory of Justice is based on the idea of distributive justice, that is, how justice should be distributed to each individual within a society. Rawls’ theory contrasts with the theory of utilitarianism, because it values the welfare of each individual over the ‘greater good’, and does not believe that one person should sacrifice their own needs or desires in order to benefit a larger number of people. This has led Rawls to develop the idea of the ‘Original Position,’ a hypothetical social contract, which Rawls believes would lead to an ideal society of ‘justice as fairness.’ (Rawls, A Liberal Theory of Justice, pp 577, para 1.) Throughout this essay, I will outline Rawls’ theory of the Original Position, and the main two principles of justice that make up his theory. I will discuss two common objections against this theory, and possible responses that Rawls would have to these objections.
Part II – Original Position defined
The Original Position is Rawls’ conception of justice, which would set up rules that an ideal society would abide by in order for justice to be fairly distributed amongst each member of the society. In order for fair and equal opportunities to be allowed to each individual, Rawls believes that a society must first start out with each member in an initial position of equality, under what he terms ‘a Veil of Ignorance.’ This veil would ensure that nobody knows their position in society, and that everybody is ignorant to specific details regarding race, class, religion and economic standing. Each person would be provided with only the basic details of how the society is structured. (Rawls, A Liberal Theory of Justice, pp 578, para 1.) Such a veil of ignorance, Rawls believes, would encourage each person to be rational and mutually disinterested when choosing the rules of society, and because nobody knows which position they would be in when the veil is lifted, an individual would
Bibliography: Nozick, Robert, Anarchy, State, and Utopia, Basic Books, 1974, pp 562-576. Phil 103, Freedom, Rights and Justice, Course book, pp 13. Rawls, John, A Theory of Justice, Belknap Press of Harvard University, 1971, pp 577-589 ----------------------- Piakura Passfield Phil 103 09/05/12