Understanding John Rawls and the Concept of Fairness

Who is John Rawls?

• A popular novelist

• A famous mathematician

• A twentieth-century American philosopher

• A renowned scientist

Answer explanation

John Rawls was a significant figure in 20th-century philosophy, known for his work on political philosophy and ethics, particularly his theory of justice. Thus, the correct answer is that he is a twentieth-century American philosopher.

What is the main theme of John Rawls' philosophy?

• Economic growth

• Political power

• Social fairness

• Technological advancement

Answer explanation

The main theme of John Rawls' philosophy is social fairness, emphasizing justice as fairness and advocating for a society where individuals have equal rights and opportunities, particularly benefiting the least advantaged.

Where was John Rawls born?

• New York, USA

• Baltimore, Maryland, USA

• Chicago, USA

• Los Angeles, USA

Answer explanation

John Rawls was born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, on February 21, 1921. This distinguishes him from other cities listed in the answer choices.

What major work made John Rawls famous?

• The Wealth of Nations

• A Theory of Justice

• The Republic

• The Social Contract

Answer explanation

John Rawls became famous for his book 'A Theory of Justice', which introduced his ideas on justice as fairness and significantly influenced political philosophy. The other options are works by different authors.

Which US President labeled Rawls as 'the greatest political philosopher of the twentieth century'?

• George W. Bush

• Barack Obama

• Ronald Reagan

• Bill Clinton

Answer explanation

Bill Clinton referred to John Rawls as 'the greatest political philosopher of the twentieth century' due to Rawls' significant contributions to political theory, particularly his ideas on justice and fairness.

What is the 'veil of ignorance'?

• A philosophical term for ignorance

• A method to hide personal information

• A thought experiment to determine fairness

• A legal term for confidentiality

Answer explanation

The 'veil of ignorance' is a thought experiment proposed by philosopher John Rawls to assess fairness in societal structures by imagining decision-makers without knowledge of their own social status.

What inspired Rawls to pursue academia?

• His family's influence

• His interest in science

• The injustices he witnessed

• His love for teaching

Answer explanation

Rawls was inspired to pursue academia due to the injustices he witnessed, which motivated him to explore theories of justice and fairness, ultimately shaping his philosophical work.

What does the 'veil of ignorance' ask us to imagine?

• A life without education

• A world without laws

• A society without technology

• A state before our birth without knowing our circumstances

Answer explanation

The 'veil of ignorance' asks us to imagine a state before our birth, where we do not know our circumstances, such as race, gender, or wealth. This thought experiment encourages fairness in creating societal rules.

What does Rawls suggest about the American Dream?

• It is irrelevant to fairness

• It is the ultimate goal

• It is a myth that prevents societal reform

• It is achievable for everyone

Answer explanation

Rawls argues that the American Dream is a myth that obscures social inequalities and hinders necessary reforms. It suggests that everyone can succeed, which ignores systemic barriers that prevent true fairness.

What is a key feature of a fair society according to Rawls?

• Strong military power

• High economic growth

• Advanced technology

• Good schools and hospitals

Answer explanation

According to Rawls, a fair society is characterized by equitable access to essential services like good schools and hospitals, which promote social justice and equality, rather than focusing solely on military power or economic growth.