Keywords
Rawls; Veil of Ignorance; Ableism; Disability; Political Theory
Abstract
This thesis focuses on Rawls’ neglect of disabled people in A Theory of Justice. Rawls claims that disabled people are too complicated for this theory and thus depriving them of their equality. This thesis looks at how other scholars have approached Rawls’ claim. This is meant for advanced undergraduates and new graduate students in political science, political theory/philosophy, and philosophy, who are likely being first introduced to Rawls or have never heard of him before. These students are the future of our society, and they will make a change in the future. This thesis serves to educate them on Rawls’ theory and how disabled people fit into his theory and political theory in general. It advocates for students to learn more about disabled people from disabled voices to ensure that when they get the chance to enact change, they will consider disabled people. This thesis offers an introduction to the field of disability studies to guide students on where they can learn more about disability. Then, it uses Rawls’ theory as an example of how disabled people should not be treated in political theory. This is done through a review of how scholars approached Rawls’ treatment of disabled people, with many defending him or offering solutions without challenging Rawls’ rhetoric towards disabled people. This thesis is meant to be a guide for future students of political theory on how to best incorporate disabled people into their ideas. Disabled people’s needs have been long overlooked in this field. Now is the time to change that, and this thesis aids in that change.
Thesis Completion Year
2025
Thesis Completion Semester
Spring
Thesis Chair
Daniel, Marien
College
College of Sciences
Department
School of Politics, Security, and International Affairs
Thesis Discipline
Political Science
Language
English
Access Status
Open Access
Length of Campus Access
None
Campus Location
Orlando (Main) Campus
STARS Citation
Habib, Marina T., "Ableism Under the Veil of Ignorance: Does Rawls Render Justice to the Disabled?" (2025). Honors Undergraduate Theses. 336.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hut2024/336
Word version
Rights Statement
