What is the original position?

a) A time in the past when people lived behind a veil of ignorance that covered up their knowledge about who in particular they are (e.g. their social status and natural talents).

b) A utopian society in which people live behind a veil of ignorance that covers up their knowledge about who in particular they are (e.g. their social status and natural talents).

c) A hypothetical scenario in which people who are temporarily placed behind a veil of ignorance that covers up their knowledge about who in particular they are (e.g. their social status and natural talents) choose the principles of justice for their society.

d) A utopian society in which everyone acts in accordance with Rawls' principles of justice.

e) A time past when people acted in accordance with Rawls' principles of justice.

Question 2

1 point possible (graded)

What is the main function of the veil of ignorance?

a) To ensure that people are not biased by knowledge about particular facts about themselves (e.g. how strong or intelligent they are) when thinking about matters of justice.

b) To ensure people's anonymity when choosing principles of justice.

c) To ensure that people are just as biased when they choose principles of justice as they are in real life.

d) To ensure that people are keenly aware of differences in bargaining power when choosing principles of justice.

e) To ensure that, when choosing principles of justice, individuals are keenly aware of their distinguishing features.

.

Question 3

1 point possible (graded)

Why, according to Rawls, is a hypothetical contract between people of equal standing who are placed behind a veil of ignorance morally more significant than an actual contract?

a) Because it is not tainted by asymmetries in bargaining power (e.g. differences in people's wealth or intelligence or strength).

b) Because it is more thoughtful.

c) Because people often do not know what they want.

d) Because an actual contract is not tainted by asymmetries in bargaining power (e.g. differences in people's wealth or intelligence or strength).

e) Because tacit consent is more informative than a hypothetical contract.

Question 4

1 point possible (graded)

Individuals who use their talents to earn an income on the free market sometimes claim that they ought to be allowed to keep all of that income because they morally deserve it. How would Rawls respond to this?

a) "While you might think that your talents are your own, this is merely an illusion. A person's talents are the property of the entire society, and so the wealth created through the use of a person's talents is also collective property that we need to distribute fairly."

b) "The fact that you were born with the talents you have is a morally arbitrary fact. You do not morally deserve your talents, and so the claim that you deserve the wealth that your talents attract is dubious."

c) "The fact that you were born into a society in which your particular talents are in high demand or in low supply is a morally arbitrary fact. The fact that your particular talents are in high demand or in low supply is what allows you to use those talents to become wealthy. So the claim that you deserve the wealth that your talents attract is dubious."

d) (a) and (b).

e) (b) and (c).

Question 5

1 point possible (graded)

Rawls thinks that people are justified in owning the objects and wealth that they do when:

a) They acquired those objects by mixing their labor with them, and they acquired other wealth by engaging in free exchange with others.

b) They acquired those objects and wealth through a system that rewards them for the moral excellence they exhibit when they work hard and show initiative.

c) The objects and wealth were acquired within a market regulated by principles of justice that protect individual liberties and fair equality of opportunity for all and then work to the benefit of the least well-off members of society.

d) a and c.

e) b and c.