Chapter 6 - Economic Justice

Question 1

Why is economic justice important?

Answer 1

b/c if people can’t earn a decent living, it severely limits their opportunities.

Question 2

What is distributive justice?

Answer 2

Involves how the benefits & burdens of society are allocated.

Question 3

What does distributive justice ask?

Answer 3

It asks if its jus that 5% of people have 90% wealth.

Question 4

What are three different forms of distributive justice?

Answer 4

1. Process/Procedural
2. End State
3. Equal Opportunity

Question 5

What is process/procedural distributive justice?

Answer 5

Says that economic distribtuion is just if the process by which it came is just.

Question 6

What is end state distributive justice?

Answer 6

Not only is the process by which people attain wealth important but we must look at resulting distribution of wealth in society and ask about its fairness.

Question 7

What is radical egalitarianism? (1 point of end state dj)

Answer 7

It argues we are all basically equal and everyone has an equal right to goods.

Question 8

What is the 2 point of end state dj?

Answer 8

Basic diffrences between people should make a difference regarding distribution of goods.

• Merit: If you have talent that others dont and you use it to make money, do you not have a right to that money?
• Effort: If you work long and hard don’t you deserve the wealth?

Question 9

What is equal opportunity distributive justice?

Answer 9

Says unequal distribution of wealth is just, so long as people have a fair chance to attain positions of greater income.

Question 10

What is Rawl’s Theory of Justice?

Answer 10

When determing principles of justice, they must be principles free and rational people concerned with their own interest would accept in a position of equality.

Principles are chosen behind a veil of ignorance.

Question 11

What is the original position?

Answer 11

A position in which no one knows their place in society, class, social status and abilities and intelligence.

Question 12

What principles would someone accept?

Answer 12

1. Each person is to have equal rights to the most extensive basic liberty.
2. Social and economic inequalities are to be arranged so that they are both
   a) To everyones advantage
   b) Attatched to positions and offices open to all

Question 13

What are the steps for Rawl’s Theory of Justice?

Answer 13

1. Imagine yourself behind a veil of ignorance
2. Determine which principles would benefit everyone in society
3. Apply principles to society

Question 14

What is Nozick Entitlement Theory?

Answer 14

Nezick argues that justice consists of 3 major principles.

Question 15

What are Nozicks 3 major principles?

Answer 15

1. Principle of justice in aquisition
2. Principle of justice in transfer
3. Principle of the rectification of injustice

Question 16

What does Nozick argue?

Answer 16

He argues that distribution is just if it arises from another distribution by legitimate means.

No end state principle can be realized without constant interference.

If it is based on Nozicks first 2 principles it is just.

Question 17

What are Singers 3 points of the obligation to assist?

Answer 17

1. Absolute Poverty
2. Absoulte affluence
3. Obligation to assit principle

Question 18

What is absoulte poverty?

Answer 18

A condition of life characterized by malnutrition , disease and infant mortality that is beneath the definition of human decency.

Question 19

What is absolute affluence?

Answer 19

When you have enough income to purchase luxuries.

Singer believe those with affluence should help those in poverty.

Question 20

What is the obligation to assist principle?

Answer 20

If it is in our power to prevent something bad from happening, without having to sacrifice anything of moral signifigance be ough to do it.