John Rawls (philosopher)

John Rawls was a 20th-century philosopher best known for his work on justice and fairness. In his influential book, "A Theory of Justice," he proposed that societal principles should be chosen behind a "veil of ignorance," where individuals lack knowledge of their social status or personal characteristics. This ensures fairness, as rules would benefit everyone equally since no one knows their place in society. Rawls argued that a just society would prioritize equality and protect the rights of the least advantaged. His ideas have greatly influenced modern political philosophy and discussions about justice, equality, and the design of fair institutions.