Introduction to Political Theory

What would be chosen in the original position?

Now we come to the second part of Rawls’s theory: the choice of principles.

Agents in the original position are completely free to choose whatever they wish,

but Rawls does discuss some possible candidates (Rawls, 1972: 124). It should be

noted that these are expressed in philosophical language (Rawls does not talk about

choosing state socialism or a free-market economy):

1. Everyone serves my interests – I get what I want (first-person dictatorship).


2. Everyone acts fairly except me (free rider).


3. Everyone is allowed to advance their interests as they wish (general egoism).


4. We maximise the aggregate level of goods (classical utilitarianism).


5. Option 4 but with a minimum level of goods for each individual.


6. We maximise the average (per capita) level of goods (average utilitarianism).


7. Option 6 but with a minimum level of goods for each individual.


8. Certain ways of life are to be privileged because they have greater intrinsic value
   (perfectionism).


9. We balance a list of prima facie valid principles, that is, we make an intuitive
   judgement about the correct trade-off between freedom and equality should
   they conflict (intuitionism).


10. The two principles of justice (democratic conception).

Chapter 4 Justice 81

The original position

Imagine you do not know your age, gender, social class, what you look like, how intelligent you
are, your beliefs (religious and philosophical views), who your family and friends are, and so on.
The task is to get the best deal for yourself – the biggest income possible. Table 4.1 sets out a
number of income distributions (A, B1, B2, C1, C2, D). These distributions represent average
annual earnings for a whole lifetime. What you have to do is choose one. In making your choice,
bear in mind the following:

• Because you do not know your identity you could end up in the top quarter of earners, or the
  bottom quarter, or somewhere in between.


• You care only about your own level of income – you are not envious of other people.


• You have got one shot – whatever you choose is binding on you for the rest of your life.


• Once you have chosen you will be told your identity.

Table 4.1

A B1B2C1C2D

Wealthy 3 70 50 120 97 250
32528302910
320232524 7
Poor 3 15 15 7 10 4
Average: 3 32.5 29 45.5 40 67.75

Focus