DOI
10.4135/9781483391144.n403
Abstract
As part of his effort to answer the question "What is the best conception of justice for a democratic society?" philosopher John Rawls constructed a thought experience called the original position. In the original position, representativs of members of society choose principles of justice for society in light of limited interests and with limited information. Situated behind the veil of ignorance, the parties in the original position have no knowledge about particular facts that could lead them to prefer principles of justice partial to those they represent. The veil of ignorance is thus an important part of Rawls's argument that his conception of justice-justice as fairness-is the best conception for a democratic society.
Document Type
Book Chapter
ISBN
9781483391168
Publication Date
2017
Publisher Statement
Copyright © 2017 SAGE Publications. This chapter first appeared in The SAGE Encyclopedia of Political Behavior.
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Recommended Citation
Von Platz, Jeppe. "The Veil of Ignorance in Rawlsian Theory." In The SAGE Encyclopedia of Political Behavior, edited by Fathali M.. Moghaddam, 889-92. Los Angeles, CA: Sage Reference., 2017.