Introduction
John Rawls and Robert Nozick, two famous American philosophers standing at rival ends in the theory of distributive justice, have influenced the society not only in philosophy, but also covering economics, law, and public policy. To assess their success, this essay first examines Rawls’ Difference Principle and Nozick’s Entitlement Theory, then contrasts the two theories where issues arise. Lastly, it analyses the influence of both theories in society.
The Theories of Distributive Justice
Rawls’ Difference Principle – The Collectivist
The Difference Principle plays an important role to justify social and economic inequalities in Rawls’ collectivist theory of justice. Any inequalities from the well-off should work towards the …show more content…
Widening vs Narrowing Inequality Gap
Nozick argues for the entitlement to own’s fruits of labour, and that transfer would only be just if consented, allowing the well-off to prosper while fostering a risk of widening inequality gap. Alternatively, Rawls reminds us that nature and other’s collective labour contribute to this gained prosperity, and it cannot be purely regarded as one’s own work – sole ownership is not selfishly allowed without crediting the society. The least well-off should be partially rewarded, steadily narrowing the inequality gap.
Arbitrary Talents and Abilities
According to Nozick, success stems from a person’s effective leverage of natural talents, coupled by constant hard work. However, Rawls argues that the grounds of talent and social position are subject to moral arbitrariness from birth. Individuals get a head-start in the race when supported by a wealthy and educated family, which cannot be rightly credited to oneself. To correct this unfairness, aid should be provided to the underprivileged so the starting points align across …show more content…
In 2017, tax rates range from 2%-17%, and a waiver is extended for the less well-off who earn less than HK$132,000 annually. Its taxation raises public funds whereby nearly 60% of recurrent government expenditure is spent on education, social welfare, and healthcare services to benefit the less-privileged . The application extends to other policies such as import restrictions, pollution fines and minimum wage. New York, for example, enforces world’s highest hourly minimum wage at US$15 , stripping away business profits to increase disposable spending of the
John Rawls and Robert Nozick, two famous American philosophers standing at rival ends in the theory of distributive justice, have influenced the society not only in philosophy, but also covering economics, law, and public policy. To assess their success, this essay first examines Rawls’ Difference Principle and Nozick’s Entitlement Theory, then contrasts the two theories where issues arise. Lastly, it analyses the influence of both theories in society.
The Theories of Distributive Justice
Rawls’ Difference Principle – The Collectivist
The Difference Principle plays an important role to justify social and economic inequalities in Rawls’ collectivist theory of justice. Any inequalities from the well-off should work towards the …show more content…
Widening vs Narrowing Inequality Gap
Nozick argues for the entitlement to own’s fruits of labour, and that transfer would only be just if consented, allowing the well-off to prosper while fostering a risk of widening inequality gap. Alternatively, Rawls reminds us that nature and other’s collective labour contribute to this gained prosperity, and it cannot be purely regarded as one’s own work – sole ownership is not selfishly allowed without crediting the society. The least well-off should be partially rewarded, steadily narrowing the inequality gap.
Arbitrary Talents and Abilities
According to Nozick, success stems from a person’s effective leverage of natural talents, coupled by constant hard work. However, Rawls argues that the grounds of talent and social position are subject to moral arbitrariness from birth. Individuals get a head-start in the race when supported by a wealthy and educated family, which cannot be rightly credited to oneself. To correct this unfairness, aid should be provided to the underprivileged so the starting points align across …show more content…
In 2017, tax rates range from 2%-17%, and a waiver is extended for the less well-off who earn less than HK$132,000 annually. Its taxation raises public funds whereby nearly 60% of recurrent government expenditure is spent on education, social welfare, and healthcare services to benefit the less-privileged . The application extends to other policies such as import restrictions, pollution fines and minimum wage. New York, for example, enforces world’s highest hourly minimum wage at US$15 , stripping away business profits to increase disposable spending of the