How successful is the rawls original position procedure? Can you think of any ways in which it might be strengthened? If so, how and why?

http://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C2GGGE_enUS379US455&hl=en&site=&q=rawls+original+position+procedure&oq=rawls+original+position+procedure&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=1809l1809l0l3961l1l1l0l0l0l0l145l145l0.1l1l0

Read, read, read ... and take good notes. Let us know what you think.

To evaluate the success of Rawls' original position procedure, we need to understand its purpose and critique. The original position is a thought experiment proposed by the philosopher John Rawls as a tool for devising principles of justice in society. In this hypothetical scenario, individuals are behind a "veil of ignorance," unaware of their own social position, talents, or preferences. From this unbiased starting point, they are tasked with choosing principles of justice that would govern society.

The success of the original position procedure depends on how well it meets its objectives, which include fairness, impartiality, and the promotion of a just society. Evaluating its success is subjective, as different people may have different opinions on what makes a procedure successful. However, there are some common critiques and suggested improvements:

1. Lack of Diversity: Critics argue that the original position procedure underestimates the diversity of society. Rawls himself acknowledged this limitation and emphasized that his principles should be flexible enough to accommodate diverse perspectives.

2. Limited Scope: Some argue that the original position procedure focuses primarily on distributive justice and wealth redistribution, neglecting other important aspects of society, such as healthcare, education, and environmental justice. Strengthening the procedure would involve expanding the principles of justice to cover these areas.

3. Incorporating Real-world Constraints: One way to strengthen the procedure is to introduce real-world constraints. Critics suggest that Rawls' thought experiment is detached from practical realities, and it should consider factors like limited resources, political feasibility, and cultural contexts. By doing so, the procedure could provide more practical and implementable principles.

4. Inclusive Deliberation: The original position does not explicitly involve collective decision-making or deliberation among individuals. Strengthening the procedure could involve incorporating elements of inclusive deliberation to ensure a more robust and participatory process.

5. Empirical Grounding: To enhance the procedure's success, it could be supplemented with empirical research and data to inform the decision-making process. This would enable a better understanding of social structures, inequalities, and the potential consequences of different principles.

It is important to note that strengthening the original position procedure is a subject of ongoing debate and varies depending on individual perspectives. Different scholars and theorists propose various modifications to address identified weaknesses and improve its outcomes.