A Dynamic Characterization of Rawls's Maximin Principle: Theory and Implications

The purpose of this paper is to provide a reinterpretation of the maximin principle in Rawls's theory of justice. As we discuss the issue of social justice, we differentiate the point in time at which rectifying practices are discussed and the time intervals in which these practices are implemented; we explore the information content for people behind the veil of ignorance; and we distinguish the means and ends for social justice. With these points clarified, we interpret the veil of ignorance in Rawls's theory as a form of Knightian uncertainty, and show that Rawls's maximin criterion would be chosen by rational individuals behind the veil of ignorance.