The "original position" is a concept in political philosophy introduced by John Rawls in his book, "A Theory of Justice." It describes a hypothetical scenario where individuals come together to determine the principles of justice that will govern their society. In this scenario, people are placed behind a "veil of ignorance," meaning they do not know their own social status, abilities, or personal characteristics. This ensures that the principles chosen are fair and impartial, as no one can tailor them to benefit their own situation. In the original position, individuals are tasked with selecting rules that promote equality and fairness for all members of society. The idea is that by removing personal biases and knowledge of one's circumstances, people will choose principles that protect the most vulnerable and ensure basic rights for everyone. This thought experiment aims to establish a foundation for a just society based on mutual respect and cooperation.