THE ROLE OF THE 'VEIL OFLGNORANCE' IN DETERMINING THE STRATEGY FOR SELECTING THE PRINCIPLES OF JUSTICE IN RAWLS' A THEORY OF JUSTICE

Abstract

The original position is the hypothetical position of equality. The position of equality should ensure an impartial agreement between ali rational individuals concerning the principles of justice that should be applied to the basic structure of society. This position is defined by a set of restrictions - the 'veiI of ignorance'. The 'veiI of ignorance' eliminates bias by covering individual's knowledge about the personal concept of good and likelihood of greatest possible benefits (the likelihood of outcome). Rawls shows that the position of people set behind the 'veil' results in applying the maximin strategy in determining the principles of justice. Eventually, this procedure leads to justice as fairness. 1n this paper I question the role given to the 'veil of ignorance' and justification of the leap made from the choice of the people in the original position to the choice of the people in real life. I will show that the very rationality Rawls emphasises is the reason why such a leap is unjustifiable. The strategy held as rational in the original position ceases to be in accordance with rationality once the 'veil' is lifted.