The Veil of Ignorance: Designing Society Without Personal Bias (John Rawls) (Edexcel A-Level Politics): Flashcards
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John Rawls
John Rawls
American political philosopher
Rawls' major 1971 work
Rawls' major 1971 work
A Theory of Justice
Veil of ignorance definition
Veil of ignorance definition
Choosing society's rules without knowing your own future status
Original position
Original position
Hypothetical scenario to decide society's principles
Purpose of veil of ignorance
Purpose of veil of ignorance
Ensure impartiality & fairness in decisions
Principle of Equal Liberty
Principle of Equal Liberty
Equal right to most extensive basic liberties for all
Difference Principle
Difference Principle
Inequalities OK only if they benefit least advantaged
Justice as Fairness
Justice as Fairness
Two principles: equal liberty & difference principle
Examples of basic liberties
Examples of basic liberties
Freedom of speech, religion, vote, personal property
Unknown behind the veil
Unknown behind the veil
Social status, wealth, abilities, personal characteristics
Veil vs utilitarianism
Veil vs utilitarianism
Prioritises fairness & rights over max happiness
Fair equality of opportunity
Fair equality of opportunity
Equal chance to succeed regardless of starting point
State type Rawls supports
State type Rawls supports
Enabling state for developmental individualism
State approach to inequality
State approach to inequality
Pro-active to reduce inequality & ensure equal chance
Veil's impact on liberalism
Veil's impact on liberalism
Key reference for fairness, equality & social justice