An Empirical Test of Rawls's Theory of Justice: A Second Approach, in Korea and the United States

Abstract

The authors conduct an experimental/empirical test of Rawls's theory of justice with subjects from Korea and the United States. The subjects begin from Rawls's "original position." Then, from behind this study's experimental "veil of ignorance," they simulate Rawls's "derivation" of principles of distributive justice, both individually and collectively. The authors explore and attempt to explain the cross-cultural differences. The design of this study borrows from earlier (1987) tests conducted by Frohlich, Oppenheimer, and Eavey who found no support for Rawls. But significant differences in this study's approach make this an independent test. The authors find partial empirical support for Rawls's difference principle among the Korean subjects only and suggest that his assumptions and reasoning need to be refined to better account for concerns and considerations beyond levels of income and the balancing of individual monetary interests.