phi2 Flashcards
What are Rawls’s two principles of justice?
First Principle: Each person has an equal right to a fully adequate set of basic liberties compatible with a similar set of liberties for all.
Second Principle: Social and economic inequalities must satisfy two conditions:
They must be attached to positions open to all under conditions of fair equality of opportunity.
They must benefit the least advantaged members of society (the difference principle).
- What purpose does the “original position” and “veil of ignorance” serve in Rawls’s theory?
The “original position” is a hypothetical scenario where individuals choose principles of justice without knowing their personal characteristics or social status, ensured by the “veil of ignorance.” This ensures impartiality and fairness, as decisions are made without bias or self-interest.
- Anderson argues that democracy should be understood on three levels. What are these levels?
Political Democracy: Equal participation in government and decision-making.
Social Democracy: Equal social status and mutual respect among citizens.
Economic Democracy: Fair access to resources and opportunities necessary for participation in society.
- Why is integration important for democracy, according to Anderson?
Integration fosters social equality, mutual respect, and understanding among diverse groups, reducing hierarchies and exclusion. This strengthens the legitimacy and functionality of democratic governance.
- What is the root cause of racism, according to Garcia?
Garcia identifies the root cause of racism as a moral failing, specifically a defect in character rooted in hatred or ill will toward members of a racial group.
- What is the root cause of racism, according to Shelby?
Shelby argues that racism is primarily ideological—a system of beliefs that justifies and perpetuates social hierarchies and inequalities.
- What is one way that Shelby critiques Garcia?
Shelby critiques Garcia for focusing solely on individual moral failings, arguing that this perspective overlooks the systemic and ideological dimensions of racism.
- Explain the “infection” model of racism.
The “infection” model likens racism to a disease that spreads through societal norms and institutions, embedding itself into cultural and systemic practices rather than originating solely from individual prejudice.
- According to Shafiei, what role should utopian thinking play in social and political organizing?
Utopian thinking provides a vision of an ideal society that motivates and guides activists to challenge existing injustices and imagine transformative alternatives.
- What is realistic utopia, according to Shafiei?
Realistic utopia is a vision of an ideal society that is ambitious but achievable, grounded in current realities while inspiring progress toward justice and equality.
- How does activism relate to realistic utopias, according to Shafiei?
Activism bridges the gap between present injustices and the goals of realistic utopias by pushing for incremental changes that align with long-term ideals.
- How does the Movement for Black Lives illustrate Shafiei’s argument?
The Movement for Black Lives exemplifies Shafiei’s argument by combining bold visions for racial justice with concrete policy demands, demonstrating how utopian thinking can guide practical activism.
- How does Hume define liberty?
Hume defines liberty as the ability to act according to one’s will without external constraints.
- How does Hume define necessity?
Hume defines necessity as the causal connection between events, governed by natural laws and observable regularities.
- According to Hume, are liberty and necessity compatible or incompatible (i.e., opposed)?
Hume argues that liberty and necessity are compatible. He believes free will can coexist with determinism, as human actions are both causally determined and subject to moral evaluation.
