Given this scenario: A serious disease has broken out on Nacierma that takes the

Question

Given this scenario: A serious disease has broken out on Nacierma that takes the lives of 10% of the population every year. Five people on the island have been found to posses an enzyme that protects them from the disease. Our scientists have also found that this enzyme provides a cure and prevents the disease in other who are vaccinated with the enzyme. After considering various alternatives, the scientists have determined that all five people must be hooked up to machines so that the enzymes can be extracted and used to bring the dreaded scourge to an end. The five people will have to be hooked up twenty-four hours every day for at least ten years--and perhaps longer Describe how John Rawls would respond to this Problem. Why?

Explanation / Answer

Harvard philosopherJohn Rawls(1921-2002 ) developed a conception ofjustice as fairnessin his now classic workA Theory of Justice. Using elements of both Kantian and utilitarian philosophy, he has described a method for the moral evaluation of social and political institutions.

Imagine that you have set for yourself the task of developing a totally newsocial contractfor today's society. How could you do so fairly? Although you could never actually eliminate all of your personal biases and prejudices, you would need to take steps at least to minimize them. Rawls suggests that you imagine yourself in an original position behind a veil of ignorance . Behind this veil, you know nothing of yourself and your natural abilities, or your position in society. You know nothing of your sex, race, nationality, or individual tastes. Behind such aveil of ignoranceall individuals are simply specified as rational, free, and morally equal beings. You do know that in the "real world", however, there will be a wide variety in the natural distribution of natural assets and abilities, and that there will be differences of sex, race, and culture that will distinguish groups of people from each other.

In thisoriginal position, behind the veil of ignorance, what will the rational choice be for fundamental principles of society? The only safe principles will be fair principles, for you do not know whether you would suffer or benefit from the structure of any biased institutions. Indeed the safest principles will provide for the highest minimum standards of justice in the projected society.

Each person is to have an equal right to the most extensive basic liberty compatible with similar liberty for others.

Social and economic inequalities are to be arranged so that they are both:a)reasonably expected to be to everyone's advantage andb)attached to positions and offices open to all.

Thus he would agree to the solution given

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