I started reading Daniel Chandler‘s “Free and Equal” when I was at a chamber music weekend with friends at an idyllic spot in what little remains of England’s temperate rainforest in Exmoor. Unfortunately the combination of wilderness, aspirational politics, good company and Brahms sextets was too much for me and I ended up being hospitalised (once again) for my bipolar affective condition. The book is based on philosopher John Rawls’ work and presents practical ways to move towards a just world. The opening pages stayed with me and I fully intend to return to it. One of Rawls’ core thought experiments, the veil of ignorance, is nicely summarised by Kai here:
Imagine that you have been given the task of drawing up the basic principles of justice that would govern a new society in which you yourself would have to live. Before you begin, you are covered with the Veil of Ignorance, stripping you of all knowledge of your personal characteristics, social status and historical circumstances.
This means that while you are under the Veil of Ignorance, you do not know your age, gender, race, faith, intelligence, abilities or any other personal attributes. You have no idea of your position in society, your wealth or your social status. Only after you have created your guiding principles, the veil is lifted and you find out your place in society.
Since you have no way of tailoring the rules to your advantage, what guiding principles would you choose?
via https://www.densediscovery.com/issues/278
It’s questions like this that feed and inspire my desire to make real change in this world.
Chris…you should be writing more – you write so well!