Final answer:
Rawls's theory of justice employs the “veil of ignorance” concept to ensure that principles of justice are determined in a manner that is fair and free from personal bias. This philosophical tool serves to support the creation of a fair and equitable society.
Step-by-step explanation:
The conception of social justice that invokes the “veil of ignorance” is John Rawls's theory.
The veil of ignorance is a method of determining the principles of fairness by imagining that societal roles are assigned without any foreknowledge of one's position or status in that society.
This method relies on the assumption that one would choose systems and rules in society that would not disadvantage oneself, no matter their eventual position, leading to a fair and equitable society.
According to Rawls's theory of justice, individuals in the “original position” behind the veil of ignorance would not know anything about their personal circumstances such as social status, economic status, or natural abilities.
This lack of knowledge is intended to ensure that principles of justice are determined without bias, leading to a society that is as fair as possible.
Rawls posits that rational individuals would choose a society where basic liberties are equally distributed, and differences in economic or social advantages work to the greatest benefit of the least advantaged.
This is encapsulated in the two main principles Rawls advocates: the “liberty principle” and the “difference principle”.