PHIL 1010 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Justice As Fairness, Equal Opportunity

• School: University of Guelph
• Department: Philosophy
• Course: PHIL 1010
• Professor: Karyn Freedman

Document Summary

All social primary goods (liberty, opportunity, income, wealth & self respect) are to be distributed equally unless an unequal distribution of any or all of these goods would be to the advantage of the least favored. We treat people as equals not by removing all inequalities but only those which disadvantage someone. If certain inequalities benefit everyone then they are acceptable to everyone. Inequalities are allowed if they improve my initially equal share but are not allowed if they invade my fair share. Inequalities are allowed if they benefit the least well-off. Difference principle: people only have a claim to a greater share of resources if they can prove that it benefits those who have lesser shares. Equal opportunity ensures that people"s fate is determined by their choices - rather than their circumstances. Success or failure is therefore determined by performance, not race, class or sex.