Rawls Theory Of The Veil Of Ignorance

This extract sheds light upon Rawls' theory of the "veil of ignorance." Through this theory, Rawls' focuses on highlighting the importance behind the formation of a society from an "original position" where each individual though thoroughly informed about the facts of the world, is oblivious about himself in terms of his social status, class position, wealth, health, natural talents, opportunities, characteristics etc. The idea behind Rawls' theory is for the individuals within a society to think beyond their own self concerns, and consider the well-being of the society as a whole. Rawls' understood the fact that an individual operates on the basis of their own self-interest. For example, if an individual's rich, they might as well be in favour …show more content…
Society’s standing at this “original position”, and operating from behind a "veil of ignorance" has been described by Rawls as a way of ensuring the emergence of a much fairer, just society that focuses on maximising the position of the least well-off individual. Rawls' does not assume that individuals functioning from behind the “veil of ignorance” would be altruistic or selfish in terms of their decision-making, but would operate in such a way as to benefit themselves in the society. Obliviousness about one’s own self prevails under the theoretical concept of the “veil of ignorance”, and thus, this will most likely lead to the members of the society focusing on formulating decisions that are considered just and fair, taking into account the position of the society as a whole. With this, Rawls’ believes freedom in terms of equal rights for an individual with “similar liberty for the others" will prevail. Moreover, though social and economic inequalities are likely to exist, they should be countered by the availability of equal opportunity for all, thus curbing the chances of the existence of nepotism and unfair …show more content…
Rawls’ focused on how the principle of liberty can be explained through reference to three separate factors. The three factors include the agents (individuals, organisations and institutions) that are considered free, the limitations that these agents are considered to be free from and the final factor focuses on what these agents are free to do and what they have been prevented from doing. According to his viewpoint, these three factors should be based on the notion of liberalism for it gives way to tolerance within a society and its members. Furthermore, Rawls heavily encouraged the formation of a "position of equality" within a society which yet again, coincides with the concept of liberalism. He also supports social cooperation and supports the use of the free market in terms of governmental policies, for example, the right to private property. Both, the principle of difference and that of equal opportunity can be explained in terms of liberalism for they focus on bettering the position of the least well-off individual, thus aiming at the creation of a fair society that is heavily based on the notion of equality. Rawls’ viewpoints based on the use of the government can also be regarded as part of the liberal school of thought for liberals are considered to be in favour of the workings of a welfare