Philosophy

Veil of Ignorance

  1. redback

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1.   Jan 15, 2007 8:38 PM

» redback - Good Points

In response to Good Points posted by RLSharp:


Which "system" truly dictates? The legal system as you indicate for the blaming example, the justice system, political system or those who buck "unimportant" aspects of society's system of unwritten systems. Not to mention the spiritual concept of things pre ordained.

Tis interesting contemplating using a veil of ignorance rather than lifting it, for answers.

I'm too undisciplined. For example, I think the education system goes far beyond syllabi, the borders of the uni or school walls and that the concept of (human) 'society' is too broad for practical applications of universally consistent 'justice', Rawls style. (Unless we can isolate a small town in Texas for this development project cum 'thought experiment')

Status quo is relative ignorance for some, blissful for others. Those believing they are not ignorant may also be blissfully unaware they are stomping on others rights. happy

From Wikipedia: "... In the original position, however, representatives of citizens are placed behind a veil of ignorance, depriving the representatives of information about the individuating characteristics of the citizens they represent. Thus, the representative parties would be unaware of the talents and abilities, ethnicity and gender, religion or belief system of the citizens they represent. As a result, they lack the information with which to threaten their fellows and thus invalidate the social contract they are attempting to agree to"

You conclude with: "I leave it to you to decide whether this can work in practice." I'm still interpreting. happy

I think we also have to imagine skills like keeping a professional distance, honest intentions, being open minded (not empty minded), being objective etc don't produce what's truly needed by all. Wants remain variable?

That surely knowledge can be used well rather than only to someone's disadvantage? Imagine all these doubting thoughts also removed once safely ensconced behinds the veil?

This is also a challenge facing those who need to be as children to enter Heaven?

-- posted by redback


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