Affirmative Action

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses affirmative action and begins by defining and explaining what it is. The paper then discusses the potential advantages that affirmative action provides for disadvantaged groups. Next, affirmative action is analyzed in relation to the theories of distributive justice, aristocracy, capitalism and Kraterism. The paper then argues that opposing affirmative action is tantamount to racism and will inevitably hinder economic progress in our society.

From the Paper:

"The affirmative action policy may further allow for special training or counseling to benefit members of a disadvantaged group, who may use the extra education to compete effectively with members of the advantaged groups. Whereas the opponents of affirmative action claim that it is injustice to favor a group just because it is considered disadvantaged, proponents of the policy assert that affirmative action is necessary to right the wrongs of the past with respect to discrimination and/or racism (Boylan). In other words, in the absence of affirmative action, discrimination and/or racism may very well continue in almost any if not all spheres of life."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Beauchamp, Tom L. "In Defense of Affirmative Action." The Journal of Ethics (1998) Vol. 2, p.143-158.
• Boylan, Michael. "Affirmative Action: Strategies for the Future." Journal of Social Philosophy (Spring 2002), Vol. 33 No. 1.
• Carvajal, Manuel J. "Economic grounds for affirmative action: the evidence on architects and engineers in South Florida". Review of Social Economy (December 2006). 20 November 2007. < http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-29554599_ITM>.
• Gray, Madison J. "Nationwide attack on affirmative action: Michigan loss leaves proponents retooling their strategy for future battles." Black Enterprise (February 2007). 20 November 2007. <http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-29612033_ITM>.
• Katznelson, Ira. "When is affirmative action fair? On grievous harms and public remedies."

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