The Original Position

The Original Position is a thought experiment introduced by philosopher John Rawls to explore principles of justice. Imagine a group of diverse, rational individuals coming together to decide how to organize society. They do so behind a "veil of ignorance," meaning they don't know their own social status, talents, or preferences. This impartial perspective encourages fairness, as choices made without self-interest aim to protect everyone equally, especially the least advantaged. From this scenario, Rawls argues that society should be structured around principles that ensure fairness and equality for all, regardless of their position in life.