John Rawls's concept of the original position is designed to determine principles of justice under conditions of

Correct answer: B. A veil of ignorance about social position

  • A. Unequal political bargaining power
  • B. A veil of ignorance about social position
  • C. Complete knowledge of personal advantage
  • D. Rule by a hereditary sovereign

Explanation

The veil of ignorance prevents people in the original position from knowing their class, talents or social status. Rawls uses this device to make the choice of justice principles impartial rather than based on personal advantage.

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About Political Theory

Political theory examines the state, power, authority, sovereignty, law and the relationship between citizens and government. It covers liberty, equality, justice, rights, democracy and major ideologies, alongside the arguments of thinkers such as Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Marx and Rawls; it differs from comparative government, which focuses on actual institutions.

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