In his book "A Theory of Justice," John Rawls presents a thought experiment to rationally determine the principles of justice that should govern a just society. Rawls hypothesizes that these principles are based on how a group of individuals would understand what is just when judged from what he refers to as the "original position." This refers to the place where all the members, seeking to form a society, must agree to the set of rules governing the society before its formation. Rawls further argues that in order to reach an agreement, the consideration of the principles of justice must occur with the additional requirement that none of the individuals know what position they will hold in the society being formed. Rawls refers to this as the "veil of ignorance," behind which the principles will be decided.
Questions:
Why is it necessary to postulate an "original position" where the potential members of a society are not yet in a society but need to form an agreement or contract? How does the notion of the "original position" argue for Rawls' first principle of justice (equal rights or liberties)? (Hint: Why is it important that the agreement is voluntary?)
Explain how the "veil of ignorance" implies Rawls' second principle regarding social inequalities (equal opportunity and inequality only insofar as the least advantaged benefit most).