Conflict mediation as an instrument fo joinh rawls´stheory of justice

Abstract

John Rawls developed his theory of justice as fairness from the notion that it is up to individuals themselves to establish the basic principles of organization of society. The author considers that the members should be in an original position of equality involved by the veil of ignorance, able to avoid the influence of personal conditions in the selection of these criteria. Such principles of justice would legitimize a democratic society, based on freedom and equality (or respect for differences). However, it is common for divergences of interest to arise as a natural consequence of interpersonal relations, a factor that represents a risk to the maintenance of the social arrangement. The purpose of this article is to show that mediation presents itself as a conflict-management mechanism that best embodies Rawls's theory, since it seeks to reestablish the bond between the parties, allowing those involved to peacefully build the solution through active participation in decision-making.