John Rawls (philosophy)

John Rawls was an American philosopher best known for his ideas about justice and fairness in society. In his influential work, "A Theory of Justice," he proposed a thought experiment called the "original position," where individuals design a just society behind a "veil of ignorance," unaware of their own social status or personal circumstances. This encourages them to create fair rules that protect the most disadvantaged. Rawls argued that justice is about ensuring equal basic rights, opportunities, and genuine help for those who are less fortunate, fostering a cooperative society that benefits everyone.