Uncertainty behind the veil of ignorance

Kurtulmuş, Ahmet Faik (2012) Uncertainty behind the veil of ignorance. Utilitas, 24 (1). pp. 41-62. ISSN 0953-8208 (Print) 1741-6183 (Online)

This is the latest version of this item.

[thumbnail of S0953820811000422a.pdf] PDF
S0953820811000422a.pdf

Download (110kB)

Abstract

This paper argues that the decision problem in the original position should be characterized as a decision problem under uncertainty even when it is assumed that the denizens of the original position know that they have an equal chance of ending up in any given individual's place. It argues for this claim by arguing that (a) the continuity axiom of decision theory does not hold between all of the outcomes the denizens of the original position face and that (b) neither us nor the denizens of the original position can know the exact point where discontinuity sets in, because the language we employ in comparing different outcomes is ineradicably vague. It is also argued that the account underlying (b) can help proponents of superiority in value theory defend their view against arguments offered by Norcross and Griffin.
Item Type: Article
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > B Philosophy (General)
Divisions: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Depositing User: Faik Kurtulmuş
Date Deposited: 19 Mar 2012 16:11
Last Modified: 31 Jul 2019 10:20
URI: https://research.sabanciuniv.edu/id/eprint/18876

Available Versions of this Item

Actions (login required)

View Item
View Item