Single Idea 23109

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / A. Basis of a State / 4. Original Position / b. Veil of ignorance]

Full Idea

If the darker aspects of human motivation did not exist, there would be no need for Rawls to place his people behind the veil of ignorance.

Gist of Idea

The veil of ignorance is only needed because people have bad motivations

Source

John Kekes (Against Liberalism [1997], 07.2)

Book Reference

Kekes,John: 'Against Liberalism' [Cornell 1997], p.145


A Reaction

All the critics observe that Rawls's blind choosers are nothing like as simple as the mere specks of rationality he seems to imagine. The usual objection is that they are already liberals, but this objection says they are already benevolent.