Which philosopher introduced the concept of the "veil of ignorance"?

The concept of the "veil of ignorance" was introduced by John Rawls in his seminal work, "A Theory of Justice." Rawls used this thought experiment to explore the principles of justice that would be chosen by rational individuals who do not know their place in society, whether it be in terms of wealth, abilities, or social status. This approach requires individuals to consider the rules of society from an impartial standpoint, devoid of any predetermined biases or personal advantages.

By using the veil of ignorance, Rawls argued that people would naturally choose principles that promote fairness and equality, as they could potentially find themselves in any social position. This idea is foundational to his theory of justice, which emphasizes fairness as the first virtue of social institutions. Therefore, Rawls' introduction of the veil of ignorance serves as a pivotal point for discussions around social justice and ethical decision-making.