STUDENT 3
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University of Professional Studies,Accra *
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Course
105
Subject
Philosophy
Date
Nov 24, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
2
Uploaded by HighnessWillpower6858
I have chosen to discuss John Rawls' idea of the "Veil of
Ignorance" and evaluate how it is said to establish a fair
distribution of wealth. What is the purpose of the "veil" and
what is it supposed to accomplish?
The purpose of the "Veil of Ignorance" is to create a fair and
impartial starting point for establishing principles of justice.
Rawls argues that behind this veil, individuals would be
motivated to create a just society because they would have no
knowledge of their own advantages or disadvantages. In this
state of ignorance, people would be compelled to design a
society that is fair for everyone, as they would have to
consider the interests of all members of society, not knowing
where they themselves would end up in terms of wealth,
power, or social status.
By assuming this position of equality and ignorance, Rawls
believes that individuals would establish principles that
prioritize fairness and the well-being of the least advantaged
members of society. This is known as the "difference
principle," which states that social and economic inequalities
are only acceptable if they work to the benefit of the least
advantaged. Through the "Veil of Ignorance," Rawls aims to
establish a fair distribution of wealth by ensuring that societal
arrangements are not influenced by personal biases or self-
interest. It encourages individuals to consider the perspective
of others and promotes the idea of fairness as a fundamental
principle in the distribution of resources, opportunities, and
benefits within society.
However, it is important to note that the "Veil of Ignorance" is
a thought experiment and not a practical mechanism for
implementing justice. Its purpose is to provoke moral
reasoning and reflection on the principles that should guide
the organization of society. Critics argue that while the "Veil of
Ignorance" provides a useful tool for moral deliberation, it
does not provide specific guidance on how to address real-
world complexities or resolve conflicts between competing
interests. Additionally, the concept assumes that individuals
can fully detach themselves from their personal biases and
preferences, which may be challenging in practice.
Despite its limitations, the "Veil of Ignorance" remains a
thought-provoking concept that encourages discussions about
fairness, justice, and the distribution of wealth in society. It
challenges us to consider the principles that would be
established if we were to design a just society from a position
of impartiality and ignorance of our own circumstances.
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