Question

How does Rawls use the idea of a veil of ignorance to argue that fair and just distribution can be defended on rational grounds?

Answer 1

• Rawls uses the idea of a veil of ignorance to argue that fair and just distribution can be defended on rational grounds.
• He says that if a person keeps herself/himself under the ‘veil of ignorance’ then s/he would come up with the just distribution, fair laws and policies that would affect the whole society.
• A person under the ‘veil of ignorance’ is unaware of her/his possible position and status in the society therefore s/he would rationally decide from the point of view of the worst-off.
• It would be sensible in this situation for everyone to ensure that all resources are available equally to all persons.
• In this way Rawls, with his idea of ‘veil of ignorance’, is able to prove that fair and just distribution can be defended on rational grounds with the help of this idea.