Decisions behind the veil: An experimental approach

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

8 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 languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationOxford Studies in Experimental Philosophy, Volume 2
PublisherOxford University Press
Pages167-182
Number of pages16
ISBN (Electronic)9780198815259
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2018
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

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

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Arts and Humanities

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Decisions behind the veil: An experimental approach'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this