Veil of Ignorance

Concept of Veil of Ignorance

• Introduced by philosopher John Rawls.
• Suggests that to agree on a social contract for governance, individuals should imagine they sit behind a "veil of ignorance."
• Veil of Ignorance:
  • A conceptual tool to ensure objectivity in considering societal operations.
  • Individuals are ignorant of their personal circumstances, preventing bias.

Principles Underlying the Veil of Ignorance

1. Liberty Principle

   • The social contract should ensure maximum liberty for all people.
   • This liberty should not infringe upon the freedom of others.

2. Difference Principle

   • Ensures equal opportunity for all to prosper.
   • Social or economic differences should benefit the least advantaged.
   • Advantages should be accessible to everyone.

Application and Impact

• Rawls proposes using the veil of ignorance alongside these principles to fairly structure societal rules.
• Emphasizes that fairness is central to justice, a view supported by Rawls and others.

Key Takeaways

• The veil of ignorance is a method to mitigate personal biases in devising social contracts.
• Liberty and equality are central tenets.
• Aims to create a just and fair society by focusing on equality and liberty without bias.