Question

According to Rawls, the correct principles of Justice are determined by?

• A. God
• B. nature
• C. the connections of society
• D. the choice that rational individuals would make in a hypothetical situation

Hint:

Rawls' concept of justice is based on fairness, and his "veil of ignorance" ensures that justice is determined impartially and rationally.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding Rawls' Theory of Justice.
John Rawls' theory of justice, as presented in his book A Theory of Justice, suggests that the principles of justice are those that rational individuals would choose under a "veil of ignorance," a hypothetical situation where individuals do not know their own status in society. This ensures fairness and impartiality in choosing principles of justice.
Step 2: Analysis of options.
- (1) God: Rawls' theory is secular and does not rely on divine principles.
- (2) nature: While Rawls refers to human nature, his theory emphasizes fairness through rational decision-making rather than nature itself.
- (3) the connections of society: This is not the central idea of Rawls' theory, which focuses on individual choice under the veil of ignorance.
- (4) the choice that rational individuals would make in a hypothetical situation: This is correct as per Rawls' "Original Position" thought experiment.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (4) the choice that rational individuals would make in a hypothetical situation.