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?
The Rawlsian original position procedure, introduced by the political philosopher John Rawls, is a thought experiment used to determine principles of justice in a fair and equitable society. It asks individuals to make decisions about principles of justice while being oblivious to their own personal characteristics and circumstances. While the success of the original position procedure is subjective, we can evaluate its strengths and potential areas for improvement.
To assess its success, one can examine the impact and influence of Rawls' theory of justice. Rawls' work, particularly his book "A Theory of Justice," has had a significant impact on political and ethical philosophy. His ideas have shaped discussions on social justice, distributive justice, and the concept of fairness. Many political theorists and philosophers have engaged with the original position procedure, contributing to ongoing debates about justice and societal organization.
However, assessing the success of the original position procedure itself is more complex. It is primarily a thought experiment meant to guide our thinking about justice, rather than a practical tool to implement policies directly. Some argue that its success lies in its ability to initiate discussions about fairness and to uncover the principles that rational individuals would agree upon behind a "veil of ignorance."
Nevertheless, there are also criticisms and suggestions for strengthening the original position procedure:
1. Inclusion of more diverse perspectives: Critics argue that the original position procedure may not adequately consider the perspectives of marginalized or historically disadvantaged groups. Strengthening the procedure could involve creating alternative or supplementary versions that explicitly address issues of gender, race, class, and other forms of social inequality. This would help ensure a fairer representation of diverse perspectives and experiences.
2. Incorporating real-world conditions: Some theorists suggest that the original position procedure could be enhanced to account for practical realities and constraints. By introducing elements that mirror real-world factors like limited resources, competing interests, or societal structures, the procedure may lead to principles of justice that are more grounded and applicable.
3. Addressing interpersonal or international justice: The original position procedure primarily focuses on distributive justice within a single society. Strengthening the procedure to include considerations of interpersonal justice (relations between individuals) and international justice (relations between nations) could expand its scope and provide insights into a broader range of ethical and justice-related issues.
The main strength of the original position procedure lies in its ability to stimulate critical thinking and generate discussions about justice. While there are opportunities for improvement, the procedure has significantly shaped the field of political philosophy and continues to be an important tool for analyzing and discussing principles of justice in society.