The original position

Definition

The original position is a theoretical construct developed by philosopher John Rawls, used to determine the principles of justice that should govern a society. It imagines individuals making decisions about the rules of their society from a neutral standpoint, behind a 'veil of ignorance' that prevents them from knowing their personal characteristics, social status, or individual circumstances. This ensures fairness and impartiality in designing the social contract.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The original position serves as a foundational aspect of Rawls's theory, emphasizing fairness in constructing societal principles.
2. Individuals in the original position are rational agents who seek to maximize their own advantage but do so without any knowledge of their future position in society.
3. The original position leads to two key principles of justice: the principle of equal basic liberties and the difference principle, which allows for social and economic inequalities only if they benefit the least advantaged.
4. By employing the original position, Rawls aims to establish a fair framework for assessing social institutions and policies.
5. The concept is heavily influenced by the Enlightenment ideals of rationality, equality, and democratic governance.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of the original position relate to Rawls's principles of justice?
  • The original position is integral to Rawls's principles of justice as it sets the stage for determining what a fair society would look like. By imagining individuals making decisions from this neutral standpoint, free from bias or self-interest, Rawls formulates two key principles: equal basic liberties for all and social/economic inequalities that benefit the least advantaged. This framework ensures that justice is rooted in fairness and promotes equality among individuals.
• Discuss how the veil of ignorance functions within the framework of the original position and its implications for justice.
  • The veil of ignorance is a crucial element within the original position, as it ensures that decision-makers do not have access to any personal information that could bias their choices. This creates an environment where individuals must consider the welfare of all members of society rather than just their own interests. The implications for justice are profound, as it leads to principles that promote equal rights and responsibilities while also addressing inequalities in a way that benefits everyone, especially those who are disadvantaged.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the original position as a method for achieving social justice compared to other theories.
  • The effectiveness of the original position as a method for achieving social justice lies in its emphasis on impartiality and fairness. Unlike utilitarian approaches that prioritize overall happiness which can overlook individual rights, or libertarian views that may neglect social inequalities, Rawls's framework encourages a balanced consideration of diverse interests. This method fosters a more equitable society by ensuring that policies are designed with the least advantaged in mind. Critics argue that it may be too abstract or idealistic; however, its appeal rests in its commitment to creating just institutions based on reasoned consensus.

Related terms

Veil of Ignorance: A key concept in Rawls's theory, the veil of ignorance is a hypothetical scenario where individuals are stripped of all knowledge about their personal traits and societal positions, ensuring unbiased decision-making.

Justice as Fairness: Rawls's principle that defines justice in terms of fairness, emphasizing that the rules and structures of society should be designed to benefit everyone, particularly the least advantaged.

Social Contract Theory: A philosophical approach that explores the legitimacy of authority and the origins of society based on agreements made by individuals to form a collective governance.