Explain the thought experiment created by John Rawls based on the "veil of ignorance," using an example to show how a decision maker can tactically apply this concept to minimize personal bias.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The philosopher John Rawls created a thought experiment based on the "veil of ignorance." Imagine a manager is making a decision about a policy that will benefit or disadvantage some groups more than others. For example, a policy might provide extra vacation time for all employees but eliminate flex time, which allows parents of young children to balance their work and family responsibilities. Or, one is a university president considering raising tuition or cutting financial support for study abroad. Now, pretend that the manager belongs to one of the affected groups, but doesn't know which one-for instance, those who can afford to study abroad or those who can't, or a young parent or a young single person. It wouldn't be possible to find out until after the decision is made. How would the manager then decide? Would she or he be willing to risk being in the disadvantaged group? Would the decision be different if she or he were in a group other than her or his own? Rawls maintained that only a person ignorant of his or her own identity can make a truly ethical decision. A decision maker can tactically apply the veil of ignorance to help minimize personal bias.