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Equity: Ethical Approaches to Social Justice. “Excuse me, but its important to get those drinks to those who need them the most.”. The Utilitarian Approach. Allocation of resources must maximize utility/benefit for larger society – i.e., efficiency But what is just?. ASARCO Case
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Equity: Ethical Approaches to Social Justice “Excuse me, but its important to get those drinks to those who need them the most.”
The Utilitarian Approach • Allocation of resources must maximize utility/benefit for larger society – i.e., efficiency • But what is just?
ASARCO Case Assume Calculation of Net Benefit (in $M) Over 10 Years (Compared to No Regulation) is as Follows: Income Group Lenient Strict Standard Standard Upper-middle (Vashon Island) +1.0 +4.5 Middle (Tacoma) +1.5 +2.0 Lower (Workers) +0.5 -3.0 NET BENEFIT +3.0 +3.5
Libertarian – “Endowment” – Approach Harvard Philosophy Professor Robert Nozick (1938-2002) Anarchy, State, and Utopia (1974) • Private property an “entitlement” – natural right • Historical process of distribution more important than recipients, or results: • “justice in acquisition” • “justice in transfer” [procedural justice] • Free market best conceived mechanisms for this distribution • “Night watchman” state
Liberal Welfare – “Contractarian” – Approach Harvard Philosophy Professor John Rawls (1921-2002) A Theory of Justice (1971) • Inviolability of human life • Social justice a natural right • Justice essential for social contract • Principles of justice derived by people behind “veil of ignorance” • Justice as fairness: • each person has equal right to basic rights/liberties • Social/economic inequalities must: • be attached to positions open to all; • be to the greatest benefit of least advantaged (difference principle) • Requires state activism on efficiency and equity
Egalitarian (Socialist)Approach • All members of society treated equally • Equal distribution of power, rights, income