Decisions behind the veil: An experimental approach

Justin P. Bruner

doi:10.1093/oso/9780198815259.003.0008

Decisions behind the veil: An experimental approach

Justin P. Bruner

Philosophy

University at Buffalo

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

This chapter explores the behavior of individuals placed in circumstances approximating the ‘veil of ignorance.' Unlike previous experiments of Rawls’ veil, it considers Rawls’ fair equality of opportunity principle in addition to the so-called difference principle. The chapter author’s experimental design can register whether behavior is consistent with a lexicographic ranking of principles of justice. The chapter observes wide support for utilitarianism as well as fair equality of opportunity and, moreover, finds the former is lexically prior to the latter.

Original language	English
Title of host publication	Oxford Studies in Experimental Philosophy, Volume 2
Publisher	Oxford University Press
Pages	167-182
Number of pages	16
ISBN (Electronic)	9780198815259
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780198815259.003.0008
State	Published - Jan 1 2018

Keywords

Distributive justice
Equality of opportunity
Experimental economics
Lexicographic ordering
Utilitarianism
Veil of ignorance

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10.1093/oso/9780198815259.003.0008

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Decisions behind the veil: An experimental approach

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Keywords

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