Q.2How does Rawls use ÃÂthe original positionÃÂ and ÃÂthe veil of ignoranceÃÂ to establish a conception of social justice? Your answer should define these terms and specify how Rawls characterizes them. You might also make reference to RawlsÃÂ use of a contractarian methodology and the hypothetical contract.
While society is a form of social cooperation which exists for the ÃÂmutual benefit of all its members;ÃÂ there is also a conflict of interest, as what is produced cooperatively can be distributed in various ways.
Offering his theory as an alternative to utilitarianism, the fundamental basis of RawlsÃÂ philosophy centred on the principle of autonomy and freedom of the individual. He believed that ÃÂeach person possesses an inviolability founded on justice that even the welfare of society as a whole cannot override.ÃÂUsing a Contractarian methodology, Rawls follows the thought concept of rational and equal individuals coming together to format a hypothetical contract; a set of principles defining all associations between individuals.
John Rawls
Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills
John RawlsThe principles of justice would then be used to regulate all basic institutions which govern society. Rawls believed that these principles of justice equating with fairness would ÃÂÃÂ determine ÃÂ the proper distribution of the benefits and burdens of social cooperation.ÃÂIn order to create a situation where rational and free people are able to make a rational decision under just conditions, Rawls introduces the ÃÂThe Original Position.ÃÂ He describes the original position as ÃÂa hypothetical status quo in which fundamental agreements would be fair.ÃÂ Rawls elaborates that the original position is not a certain state of affairs within history, nor a condition of nature but rather a completely hypothetical situation individuals are placed in order to lead to a certain conception of justice. In this sense, the original position may be entered into at any time and is a crucial element...