Posted: Feb 12, 2012 11:23 am
As Rawls put it, "...no one knows his place in society, his class position or social status; nor does he know his fortune in the distribution of natural assets and abilities, his intelligence and strength, and the like."[5] The idea then, is to render moot those personal considerations that are morally irrelevant to the justice or injustice of principles meant to allocate the benefits of social cooperation.
For example, in the imaginary society, one might or might not be intelligent, rich, or born into a preferred class. Since one may occupy any position in the society once the veil is lifted, the device forces the parties to consider society from the perspective of the worst off members.
Wiki veil of ignorance
There is clear evidence that some religions do not actually encourage equal and just societies - Islam is classic with its submission and the word of a woman not equal to that of a man. Hinduism with castes is similar.
Breeds of xianity are hierarchical, with priests, others - the Quakers - are not.
Religions very often make truth claims themselves - I am the way, the truth and the life, do this or go to hell...
Should we not comment about fgm, or suti, or reactions to saying uncle mo is equal to me?