Class 2 - Intro and Justice Theory Flashcards
ethical theory
What is a theory?
An idea that may be proven by evidence
How is ethical theory different from other theories?
An ethical theory provides an answer to the question:
Is this ethical? How we judge actions (right or wrong)
rawls theory of justice
Two principles of justice
The original position and a veil of ignorance
“The primary subject of justice is the basic structure of society, or more exactly, the way in which the major social institutions distribute fundamental rights and duties and determine the division of advantages from social cooperation.”
It’s about basic structure and institutions, not about transactions between individuals
Are the rules of the game fair? Can the rules be ethically justified?
give the most to the least advantaged
how ethical theories differ from other types of theories
Ethical theory is a general statement
Ethical theory provides an answer to a question
But ethical theory does more than explaining
Is not objective but subjective
rawls theory of justice - the original position
They are the principles that free and rational persons concerned to further their own interests would accept in an initial position of equality as defining the fundamental terms of their association.”
the veil of ignorance
“No one knows his place in society, his class position or social status, nor does any one know his fortune in the distribution of natural assets and abilities, his intelligence, strength, and the like.”
Once you adopt Rawls’ principles of justice, you apply his principles to any decision-making
two principles of rawls theory of justice: second principle (A)
The second principle (a)
“Social and economic inequalities are to be arranged so that they are (a) attached to offices and positions open to all under conditions of fair equality of opportunity.”
Not the equality of outcome
Equality of opportunity in the competition among individuals for those positions - starting point is the same
Different positions (CEOs, teachers, janitors, etc.) may have different rights, duties, and economic and social rewards
two principles of rawls theory of justice: first principle
The first principle
“The first requires equality in the assignment of basic rights and duties”
Traditional democratic rights such as freedom of the person, political liberty, freedom of thought, conscience, and religious worship
Absent (not about) are the right to own property and freedom of contract
Not about wealth but about political rights
two principles of rawls theory of justice: second principle (B) the difference principle
The second principle (b) [The difference principle]
“Social and economic inequalities are to be arranged so that they are (b) to the greatest benefit of the least advantaged”
Remember, this is what people in the original position would choose
Social and economic inequalities are permitted
We wish to make sure that the worst that can happen to us once the veil is lifted is still better than the worst that might have happened under some other arrangement
how to apply rawls theory of justice
How to use this theory
Apply it to a rule, law, decision, or policy, rather than an individual transaction
Is this rule/law/decision/policy ethically justifiable?
1. Does it protect each person’s basic rights and duties?
2. […]
(a) Would it guarantee equal opportunity?
(b) Would it benefit the least advantaged members of society?
john rawls’ theory of justice - decision rule (lecture notes)
Decision rule
Greatest benefit to the least advantaged
If faced with alternatives go with the one that gives the greatest benefit to the least advantaged person in society
Poor gain greatest benefit
He thought we should come up with an unbiased view of society that would be set up if we were stripped of our characteristics. Totally neutral in decision making process
How to make decisions
- Some would be risk-averse and say that the guy on the bottom should be helped (cuz that could be me)
- Come out of it really wanting to help that bottom person so they are not too bad off
john rawls’ theory of justice - biggest pro (lecture notes)
Biggest pro
“Unbiased” approach to social justice
- Try to come up with an unbiased approach
- If i could be neutral truly what would be the right way to set up society
john rawls’ theory of justice - biggest con/meritrocracy (lecture notes)
Biggest con
Denies free will, meritocracy
Rawls argued that people are determined by genetics and environment and have little say on how their life takes course because of these factors
Kinda negative perspective of life - if it wasn’t for your parents/environment you wouldn’t value education because they taught you
Free will is unimportant
Not your choice you are programed
Meritocracy
Those who merit the most (put out the most), deserve the most back
Work the hardest then you deserve more - He denies this because you do not deserve your genes so you do not deserve compensation for being programmed for doing things
john rawls’ theory of justice - example (lecture notes)
Example
Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream
Progressive company - social causes
Policy: program that they would not pay the top earner more than 7x what the bottom earner makes
CEO vs. bottom worker’s pay
Rawlsian idea
Just workplace because less of a salary disparity
the real rawls
Incorrect approach in textbook
Really…
Contractors are striped of bias to decide on two principles of justice
“Greatest benefit…” rule the most challenging
Veil of ignorance is not used for decision making
- Really what happens is contractor’s go behind the veil of ignorance and stripped of their bias
- Back there they go through the discussion and are risk-averse and come out with two principles of justice
- Rawls used the veil of ignorance process to get to those two principles
- Suggests to everyone they live through the two principles
- Greatest benefit to least advantaged
