The following text is about political philosophy.
The veil of ignorance, a thought experiment proposed by John Rawls, asks what principles of justice people would choose if they didn't know their position in society. Behind this veil, you don't know your natural abilities, social class, race, gender, or conception of the good life. Rawls argued that rational agents in this "original position" would choose two principles: equal basic liberties for all, and social and economic inequalities only if they benefit the least advantaged members of society. This framework attempts to derive fair principles by eliminating bias from the design.
What is the purpose of Rawls's veil of ignorance?
To ensure people choose principles that favor their own position
To eliminate bias by making choosers ignorant of their particular circumstances
To allow natural abilities to determine principles of justice
To maximize inequality in society
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. The veil removes knowledge of "position in society," including abilities, class, race, gender, to "eliminate bias from the design."
- Evidence: Don't know position; eliminate bias.
- Reasoning: Ignorance prevents self-interested justification.
- Conclusion: Bias elimination through circumstantial ignorance.
Choice A is incorrect because the opposite is true—they can't favor their position if they don't know it. Choice C is incorrect because abilities are hidden behind the veil. Choice D is incorrect because the result limits inequality to benefit the least advantaged.