'Veil of ignorance'

By Lim Hyo-jae

John Rawls (1921-2002) was a famous philosopher and professor at Harvard University who authored a meaningful approach to social justice and fairness.

In his theory, when people do not know their social status, or what discerns them from others - which he describes as being behind “a veil of ignorance” ­ they try to maximize the prospects of “the least well-off” above all else, lest they end up in that bracket.

For example, a person who is not aware of their assets would prefer not to give too many privileges to people with high status such as lawyers at the cost of privileges a homeless person may receive, as there is a possibility he or she might end up a homeless person.

Rawls considers people to be rational but more likely self-centered than altruistic.

He states that there are economic inequalities within a society but this is justifiable as long as people reach a consensus through this “behind a veil” procedure.

Rawls focuses more on stability rather than risk.

His theory supports the idea that preparing for the worst in the best manner is what rational people do.

Despite the fact Rawls had to use a supposition of “a veil of ignorance” to explain his theory, his ideas have a lot to offer people in their daily lives.

To take gambling as an example, it is very similar to the “veil of ignorance” because the results are undoubtedly left to chance and a person ends up somewhere between losing everything and perhaps winning a bunch.

Considering Rawls’ view, the vast scope of possibility and extreme negative side chance offers, in this case - losing everything - is far from being stabilized; therefore, gambling is not what rational people do.

Surprisingly, in a society, most people who gamble are often reprimanded for doing something unrighteous.

Expecting life to be led by chance may be the reason why society considers gambling bad.

However, Rawls’ theory helps people to understand that most individuals have a tendency to seek both stability and risk, but stability is the rational option.

Apart from the main point of Rawls’ theory - justice and fairness - the importance of stability is also a great lesson.

Stability allows people to be prepared for any circumstances and society to be safeguarded.

Even though his theory does apply in every instance, people who grapple with the choice of taking risks for better rewards or being moderate and prepared for the worst, have Rawls’ compass to follow.

It is true that greed often leads one to a fall.

Lim Hyo-jae is a senior at Daeil Foreign Language High School in Seoul.