Understanding Rawls' Veil of Ignorance

John Rawls' thought experiment, the 'Veil of Ignorance', is designed to determine fair principles of justice. Individuals in the 'original position' behind this veil make choices about societal structure without knowing their personal details. This ensures impartiality.

Analyzing the Features

The core idea is that ignorance of specific personal circumstances leads to unbiased decisions. Let's examine each option:

• Option 1: Ignorance of Societal Position
  This statement correctly describes the Veil of Ignorance. Individuals do not know their social standing, class, or status. This ignorance forces them to consider principles that are fair to everyone, regardless of their position.
• Option 2: Ignorance of Natural Assets
  This statement is also true to the Veil of Ignorance. People are unaware of their natural talents, intelligence, strength, or disabilities. This prevents them from choosing principles that favour specific natural abilities they might possess.
• Option 3: Knowledge of Psychological Propensities
  This statement claims that individuals *know* their specific psychological characteristics (e.g., optimism, risk aversion). This contradicts the purpose of the Veil of Ignorance. The veil requires ignorance of such particular psychological traits to ensure that decisions are not based on self-interest derived from known personal biases or tendencies. Therefore, this is not a feature of the Veil of Ignorance.
• Option 4: Ignorance of Conception of the Good
  This statement is accurate. Individuals behind the veil do not know their personal life goals, values, or what constitutes a 'good life' for them. This ensures that the principles of justice are not skewed towards one particular comprehensive doctrine or life plan.

Conclusion on Veil of Ignorance Features

Based on the analysis, the feature that is not true about Rawls' 'Veil of Ignorance' is that the parties know their special psychological propensities.