The following text is from a political philosophy article.
John Rawls's "veil of ignorance" thought experiment asks what principles rational agents would choose if they didn't know their eventual position in society. Behind this veil, Rawls argued, agents would select principles ensuring fair treatment for the least advantaged, since any agent might occupy that position. Critics question whether such abstraction from concrete identity yields useful guidance or merely smuggles in liberal assumptions. The debate illuminates fundamental disagreements about methodology in political theory.
What is the primary purpose of the text?
To definitively prove Rawls's theory is correct
To explain Rawls's thought experiment and note criticism and its implications
To provide a complete biography of John Rawls
To compare political systems across different nations
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. The text explains the veil of ignorance, notes criticism (abstraction, liberal assumptions), and identifies broader implications (methodology debates).
- Evidence: The text explains the theory: "Rawls's 'veil of ignorance'... asks what principles... agents would choose." It notes criticism: "Critics question whether such abstraction... yields useful guidance." It notes implications: "The debate illuminates fundamental disagreements."
- Reasoning: The passage maps out a famous thought experiment, its critique, and its significance to the field.
- Conclusion: The purpose is to explain theory, criticism, and implication.
💡 Strategy: Summarize: Veil of Ignorance (Theory) -> Is it too abstract? (Criticism).
Choice A is incorrect because criticism is included. Choice C is incorrect because biography isn't provided. Choice D is incorrect because nations aren't compared.