Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
John Rawls’ ‘Original Position’ is a cornerstone of 20th-century political philosophy, presented in his seminal work, *A Theory of Justice* (1971). It’s a thought experiment designed to determine the most just principles for structuring a society. Rawls argues that justice should be conceived as fairness, and the Original Position provides a framework for achieving this. It asks us to imagine ourselves as rational individuals choosing principles of justice from behind a ‘veil of ignorance’, unaware of our future social status, talents, or beliefs. This hypothetical scenario aims to eliminate bias and ensure impartiality in the selection of fundamental principles governing society.
The Original Position: A Detailed Examination
The Original Position is not a state of nature, but a purely hypothetical situation of equal initial circumstances. It’s a device of representation, a way to think about justice without the influence of existing social inequalities.
Key Features of the Original Position
- The Veil of Ignorance: This is the most crucial feature. Individuals do not know their future place in society – their class, wealth, abilities, gender, race, or even their conception of the good life. This prevents them from favoring principles that benefit their particular group.
- Rationality: Participants are assumed to be rational individuals, meaning they aim to maximize their own well-being. However, this rationality is not selfish; it includes a capacity for reciprocal concern for others.
- Mutual Disinterest: While rational, individuals are not motivated by altruism or spite. They are indifferent to the specific interests of others, focusing on securing the best possible outcome for themselves, given the uncertainty.
- Publicity: The principles chosen must be publicly known and accepted by all members of society.
Principles of Justice Derived from the Original Position
Rawls argues that rational individuals in the Original Position would inevitably choose two principles of justice:
- The Liberty Principle: Each person is to have an equal right to the most extensive basic liberty compatible with a similar liberty for others. This includes freedoms like freedom of speech, thought, and association.
- The Difference Principle: Social and economic inequalities are to be arranged so that they are both (a) to the greatest benefit of the least advantaged members of society (the maximin rule), and (b) attached to offices and positions open to all under conditions of fair equality of opportunity.
Illustrative Example
Consider healthcare allocation. From behind the veil of ignorance, you wouldn't know if you'd be healthy or sick. Therefore, you'd likely support a system that provides a basic level of healthcare for everyone, even if it means some individuals with greater resources might receive slightly less. This aligns with the Difference Principle, prioritizing the well-being of the least advantaged.
Criticisms and Limitations
The Original Position isn’t without its critics. Some argue that the veil of ignorance is unrealistic and that individuals would inevitably be influenced by their pre-existing beliefs and values. Others question the assumption of rationality and the prioritization of the least advantaged. Libertarians, for example, often criticize the Difference Principle as an unjustifiable infringement on individual liberty and property rights.
Conclusion
The Original Position remains a powerful and influential thought experiment in political philosophy. While not without its limitations, it provides a compelling framework for thinking about justice as fairness and for evaluating the principles that should govern a just society. Its emphasis on impartiality and the consideration of the least advantaged continues to shape contemporary debates about social and economic justice, prompting ongoing discussions about the ideal organization of a fair and equitable society.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.