ETHICS: Human Rights and Global Justice Flashcards
What is justice?
Justice is concerned with the reciprocal relationship between individuals and society
It carries the fundamental notion that all humans are equally valued
What is distributive justice?
Distributive justice is concerned with how certain goods are shared within society
It is concerned with the access and possession of goods, services and wealth
How did wealth and status (social deprivation) affect COVID-19?
Social deprivation caused:
- x1.9 diagnosis rate
- x2.3 increased death rate
How do UK health inequalities affect life expectancy?
Green park station = 89 years life expectancy
Falls with every stop away from there
Stockwell = 78 years life expectancy
Are health inequalities a matter for justice?
Yes:
- Nobody can control where they are born
- Health inequalities are a misfortune
- The world would be better if global health inequalities could be reduced
No:
Life is full of misfortunes, some of which cause much suffering but not all of which we consider ethical concerns
Is justice a reward for hard work?
Yes:
Perhaps it is fair that to be rewarded for hard work and if you choose to work hard, it is right to reap the profits
It is up to us as individuals to make the most of our talents and to overcome our weaknesses
No:
Not all success is due to hard work but also due to start point e.g. where you were born and socioeconomic status of parents
That some people are born into poverty and extreme hardship is simply bad luck
What are the benefits of charity?
Charity fosters kindness and empathy
Such kindness fosters a sense of interdependence and makes communities morally and socially richer
If we believe in justice and value all human lives equally, is healthcare a matter for justice?
Yes:
Certain goods such as food, shelter and a decent level of health are essential for an autonomous life AND are necessary to be capable of flourishing or leading a life of value AND SO decent access to healthcare is a matter of justice
Amartya Sen has argued that if we value all human lives equally then justice requires that we ensure that all individuals have an equal capability to flourish/pursue lives of value
What is the problem with charity for the recipient?
Autonomy of the recipient is undermined because:
- recipients are dependent on the action of donors + they have no entitlement to such assistance
- if individuals are dependent on charity to meet their basic needs, the autonomy of the recipient is undermined
What is solidarity and its relationship with justice? Vs charity?
Solidarity is sense of standing together when individuals or the community are threatened. Processes and actions that promote solidarity are likely to promote social justice
With charity we choose to help those we recognise as a good cause
To ensure equitable global access to Covid vaccines/therapies needs more than money:
- A commitment to global justice at every stage from development to delivery
- Space for voices to be heard to understand the social, political, logistical challenges to vaccine access
- Collaboration between global institutions, commercial organisations, governments, research funders and academic institutions
Equitable access needs to address:
- affordability
- local healthcare infrastructure
- intellectual property rights and medicines
- cultural diveristy and healthcare access
SUMMARY:
- Pandemics amplify health inequalities
- Health care is a matter for justice
- Humanitarian aid is not a sufficient moral approach to global health inequalities
- Policies and a culture that promote solidarity are likely to promote social justice and address health inequalities
What is the difference between moral rights and legal rights?
Moral rights = A special form of moral claim which impose a moral obligation on others to ensure such claims are upheld
Legal rights = Legally enforceable entitlements
BOTH: Moral and legal rights recognise all humans as having equal value
When was the Human Rights Act established?
1998
What does the HRA 1998 define? What does it incorporate?
Defines legally enforceable rights entitlements in the UK
Incorporates European Convention on Human Rights into English Law