I wonder if some here might be familiar with a concept referred to as the "veil of ignorance".

[Atticus]

It is basically a thought experiment devised by philosopher John Rawls and proposes a method for adopting laws to form a society striving to be fair, equal and moral.

In deciding what rules would govern this society, we are asked to assume that we are totally ignorant of our personal situation or condition. Imagine a speck of consciousness yet to be born---we don't yet know our gender, the color of our skin, our physical or mental health, our size or shape, our sexual orientation, our intelligence or our appearance. We have no idea what sort of community we will live in or how wealthy or impoverished our family may be.

Not knowing what sort of person we would be, would we not be more inclined to pass laws that would treat ALL people equally well? Would not the Golden Rule---"treat others as you would like to be treated"---be seen as the only real "law" necessary?

[DEbluedude]

1. I am not familiar it but we all are born inherently ignorant.

Our upbringing outside the womb, for the most part, is the determinant of what we become. The veil is lifted when we are able to think critically. Our country's present situation is indicative of the level of stupidity that plagues this nation.

I really thought about your post because minutes before I read it, I found out i am going to be a grandfather! Again! Im hoping I'm able to set a good example so that "veil of Ignorance " is lifted early on from the little one.

[zipplewrath]

2. No

I understand the veil of ignorance, but the tough part is deciding, well, just how "tough" we want to be on each other. "Tough Love" or "allowing the natural consequences of our actions", or any other set of ideas that says we allow bad things to happen to people in order for them to learn, as oppose to "protecting" them from the worst consequences of their actions. Do we become some sort of "helicopter government" or do we recognize that people are going to go through hard times and that we should only do so much to address those problems.

[SheltieLover]

3. Yes

Great philoso phy.

[ChubbyStar]

4. Is that something MTG wore at her wedding?

I do know and understand the concept, I just wanted to share my joke. Sorry to derail Atticus.

[Crunchy Frog]

5. The Doctor Who 50th anniversary special explored that in one of its subplots.

It's called The Day of the Doctor in case you'd like to check it out.