JOHN RAWLS'S THEORY OF JUSTICE AS A WAY TO APPLY EQUITY

Resumo

This article aims to promote a reflection on the Theory of Justice developed by John Rawls, an American philosopher recognized as neo-Kantian and anti-utilitarian, who significantly influenced contemporary moral thought. The author presents a hypothetical situation in which individuals would return to their original state of nature in order to reestablish the principles of justice. In this context, the study seeks to analyze to what extent the “veil of ignorance” proposed by Rawls could influence the political conduct of individuals, contributing to the construction of a fairer and more supportive society through an appeal to moral conscience. To analyze the author’s theoretical foundations and motivations, the research was based on bibliographic materials related to the subject and conducted through the deductive method. It was concluded that the appeal to conscience constitutes a possible alternative, considering that, in the hypothetical situation proposed, the “veil of ignorance” would conceal personal interests, preventing political agents from legislating in their own favor. Furthermore, the formation of ethical principles, as a basis for the creation of fair laws, emerges as a response to the violence resulting from the extreme inequality that affects society.