Abstract This paper is a comparison between the political theories of John Rawls and Robert Nozick and their opinions on distributive justice. Very emotive examples are utilised throughout this paper and the welfare state and the legitimacy of such a system is discussed. The Rawls' 'veil of ignorance' to legitimise the welfare state is described and the counter arguments of Nozick are reviewed. Finally, there is also a mention of morality and philanthropy.
From the Paper "Rawls's theory is based upon the view that there should be an equal distribution of the wealth of society among all individuals, where "everyone should have an equal share" (Clayton et al, 2002, p165). He believes that all individuals have an equal claim to these benefits and that individuals should not be "advantaged or disadvantaged by natural future or social circumstances" (John Rawls, 1971, p18) in their lives which they have no direct control over, such as family, social class, and physical and mental attributes. His view is that men are born into different positions within society and so they have different expectations of life determined, in part by the political system, as well as by economic and social circumstances and in this way the institutions of society "favour certain starting places over others" (Ibid, 1971, p7). "
Abstract This paper analyzes Nathaniel Hawthorne's short story about a minister's life. This minister preaches his regular sermon in church usually in an uninspiring way until one Sunday, he shows up with a black veil on his face. This paper discusses the effects this had on his congregation and its symbolism. It details how Hawthorne's story, and the veil itself, is a metaphor for all of our sins and transgressions.
From the Paper "Hawthorne's short story is deceptively simple. He tells the tale of a minister, Parson Hooper, who comes to church one Sunday wearing a black veil over his face. Nothing else about him has changed, but this veil frightens the worshippers, and sets off all kinds of rumors, including that Parson Hooper has gone mad. ?Such was the effect of this simple piece of crepe, that more than one woman of delicate nerves was forced to leave the meetinghouse. Yet perhaps the pale-faced congregation was almost as fearful a sight to the minister, as his black veil to them.? As he preaches his sermon, the congregation seems to find this sermon special, and somehow it touches each one. Hawthorne says that Hooper was normally a rather "uninspired" preacher, and today was no exception, but the people perceive his words differently. They frighten many of them. ?Each member of the congregation, the most innocent girl, and the man of hardened breast, felt as if the preacher had crept upon them, behind his awful veil, and discovered their hoarded iniquity of deed or thought.? Perhaps Hooper's words are hitting a little close to home, and people are seeing some of the things they cover up in their own lives, as Hooper covers his face with the veil."
Tags: minister, black, veil, Nathaniel, Hawthorne, congregation, preach, sermon, sins
Abstract Determining how well-suited distributive justice theories are as frameworks for formulating and/or defending the justice-related grievances and aspirations of homeless people can best be achieved by focusing on a particular theory. Narrowing the focus primarily to the work of a specific distributive justice theorist, such as John Rawls, provides a concise and clearly defined framework which can then be systematically applied to homelessness issues. This paper examines the applicability of Rawls' theory in the context of addressing the grievances and aspirations of homeless people.
Abstract This paper begins by articulating the philosophies and beliefs of both John Rawls and Robert Nozick as well as their ideas concerning distribution and justice. The paper discusses how Nozick's views are more fiscally conservative while Rawls' tend to be more socialistic. The paper then compares the two authors, namely in their shared belief that the individual should be allowed to pursue his own interests, provided it does not impede anyone else's ability to pursue his own goals. This paper also discusses both authors' opposition to to utilitarianism.
From the Paper "Nozick also discusses the topic of taxation and explains how it is unjust. It is the equivalent of forcing one to work for free. A portion of the worker's earnings is taken back by society, making the individual work for another person's purposes. Those who are poor and utilize the welfare programs made available are reaping the benefits of these worker's actions (Nozick, 1974). It is as if they have a claim to the labor of others; it is unjust for a person to be forced to work for the benefit of another. Thus, the distribution in this manner is unjust. Those workers are not choosing to give charity or work for other's well being but are forced to do so without freely entering into the relationship."
Tags: robert nozick, john rawls, justice, entitlement theory, redistribution, taxation
Abstract This paper explains that John Rawls' thinks of his justice principles as fairness which ensures that no one is advantaged or disadvantaged in the choice of principles by the outcome of natural chance. The author points out that Robert Nozick is saying, if you take a society where some are poor and some wealthy, and spread the wealth around equally - as Rawls suggests must be done to have "justice" and "fairness" in a society - you're basically taking from the rich and giving to the poor. The paper relates that justice isn't necessarily about "fairness", in Nietzsche's world; it's in part about "reactive feelings" to an injustice.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Rawls: About Justice
Robert Nozick's Philosophical Positions vis-a-vis John Rawls Suggesting Shortcomings in Rawls' Theories
Nietzsche's View of Justice Collides with Rawls
From the Paper "In going to great lengths to explain justice, he adds that he is not saying the concepts of justice and fairness are identical. Rather, he is alluding to the "traditional theory of the social contract," which is that in real, pure, un-corrupted fairness, "no one knows his place in society, his class position or social status." Also, no one knows his "fortune in the distribution of natural assets and abilities, his intelligence, strength, and the like." The principles of justice, in his hypothetical description, are agreed to "in an initial situation that is fair." The parties in this concept of understanding justice are "rational and mutually disinterested" - and they are not "taking an interest in one another's interests," he writes. He further sets up his argument by suggesting that those persons in his initial situation would choose two "rather different principles." "
Abstract This paper provides a brief overview and discussion of the debate between John Rawls and Jurgen Habermas. The writer describes the context of the debate and the problem that sparked it, and explains key elements of Rawls' theory, Habermas's criticism of Rawls, and key elements of Habermas' theory. Some of their significant differences are explored, as, for example, where Rawls universalizes the principles of public reason (overlapping consensus), Habermas universalizes the principles of rational discourse (ethics of discourse). The writer contends that both theories are significant for theological ethics, since both strive to reach some sort of agreement leading to fairness and equality of people of distinct comprehensive doctrine.
From the Paper "The main problem that is before us is one of a reassessment of the foundations of modernity. The two world wars which caused unparalleled numbers of deaths and, in particular that of WWII with its unprecedented atrocities and crimes against humanity, seem to provide evidence or proof for something that could be in put in place to prevent wars that could no longer solely be blamed on religion or class struggles. The fundamental question at stake was whether the great confidence in reason and science (technology) has been perhaps overemphasized and was not a reliable means to ensure a peaceful existence for humanity amongst our vast differences. Both Rawls and Habermas are looking at the same problem and both start at the same point, namely the incompatibility of different comprehensive doctrines."
Tags: God dynamics philosophy pluralism theology, democratic society
Abstract This paper analyzes the use of the veil by the minister to hide his own dark secrets and remind his parishoners of their own sins. The writer examines the various reactions of his congregation members as they attempt to make sense of the veil, the same reactions that humans generally have to all that they do not understand in life. It concludes that the veil represents death, mystery and evil that are present in all of our lives.
From the Paper ""The Minister's Black Veil" by Nathaniel Hawthorne is written as a parable which is a short story intended to teach a lesson. The lesson of this story seems to be that everyone has dark secrets that may be so shameful that we don?t want to admit them to ourselves or to others. The black veil in this story was Mr. Hooper's way of not dealing with his secret and also of teaching this lesson to his parishioners. It gave his congregation an eery feeling to view the veil upon his face and made them think of their own sins more carefully."
Tags: secret, parishioners, minister, Hooper, dark
This paper discusses John Rawls' "A Theory of Justice", which presents a theory of justice that supports the liberal-democratic viewpoint of the rights and freedoms of individuals in society.
Abstract The paper states that the John Rawls' theory declares that no inborn benefits of political authority, substance riches or natural capability should irreversibly or overpoweringly establish life chances and that these morally subjective issues should not establish the value of political liberties to moral persons. The author points out that Rawls and numerous other moderate philosophers employed this theory as a weapon with which to impose warfare on the English nobility by which a minority was repressing monetarily and socially a majority. The author believes that, in the twentieth century, John Rawls's emphasis on impartiality has lured extra observations and stimulated extended concentration than any other exertion in ethical or opinionated philosophy.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Origin of the Theory and the State of the Justice System at that Time
Justification
Constructivism
Utilitarianism
Intuitionism
Contrast with Kant's Theory
Impact of the Theory; Now and Then
From the Paper "Setting the juncture for his conjecture of justice Rawls aims at the departure of utilitarianism and labels it a "distribution problem". As stated by Rawls, utilitarianism grows erroneous if it disappoints to disburse concentration to how that welfare is circulated; there is nothing incorrect, however, with the utilitarian model of publicizing the common interests. The contentment of others cannot make up for the immense anguishes by a few. This is a sharing difficulty as when the pain is circulated in one location and the pleasure is circulated everyplace else, delight disappoints to recompense for the pain i.e. "one man's fortune is another man's gain". Or else if one endures at the present for some afterward reward, then the victim is satisfied later, than likewise the beneficiary of the anguish is afterward the receiver of the pleasure, equalizes it. Equally, it is unjust to compel one to compensate for one's sins but just if one compensates for himself. Utilitarians can't eliminate a definite type of discriminatory agreement for the reason that the reimbursements and afflictions are not disseminated reasonably by being oblivious to how that pleasure is scattered and in its place considering the figure of bliss. It is vital to observe that it is the injustice that plights Rawls not the inequality of the agreement. Such an unjust conclusion cannot survive in any moral organization. Therefore, it is no chance that considering this Rawls opts to name his conjecture "Justice as Fairness"."
Abstract She was later ordered by a Florida court to remove her veil for the photo for her driving license. The paper discusses the issues surrounding this news story, and concludes with the opinion that the lady did not have the right to use her veil for the photo.
Abstract This paper discusses Locke's right of appropriation in relation to the rise of capitalism, as tempered by John Rawls' focus on practically limited rights. The paper further discusses the need to intervene as a responsibility to correct inevitable results of a democratic and representative system that would still be unfair. The paper refers to Rawls' conservative and socialist critics and concludes by emphasizing Rawls' different viewpoint matching a very different day.
From the Paper " The social contract of John Locke has been interpreted in ways justifying the inequalities of capitalist societies. John Rawls' ideas of justice have stressed the distribution of justice as social goods. One sees that any social system will benefit some members more than others. Unfortunately, the rise of capitalism as it coincided with liberalism and notably in the development of the United States did see some groups placed in situations of considerable injustice which Rawls has noted amply in different calls to see redistributive justice instilled."
Abstract This paper looks at the career of Jerry Rawlings, the military and political leader who led the coup that ousted the military junta in Ghana in 1979. It examines how at the time, he stepped aside to allow a civilian president, Hilla Limann, govern and how in December 1981, he deposed Limann, suspended the constitution, banned all political parties and later introduced economic reforms in 1983 that helped revive the economy. It shows how Rawlings came to power as leader in 1982 and how the first government lasted until 1987 as the Provisional National Defense Council (PNDC).
From the Paper "In the period immediately after the creation of the AFRC, the group made it clear that it saw the former leadership as having failed to be accountable to the people. The administration of Hilla Limann was thus expected to measure up to the new standard of accountability advocated by the AFRC. Limann's People's National Party (PNP) began the Third Republic with control of only 71 of the 140 legislative seats -- the opposition Popular Front Party (PFP) won 42 seats, while 26 seats were distributed among three lesser parties. Limann was a former diplomat and a noncharismatic figure with no personal following, and the ruling PNP included people of conflicting ideological orientations. The most immediate threat to the Limann administration was the AFRC, especially those officers who organized themselves into the "June 4 Movement" to monitor the civilian administration, which is why the government ordered Rawlings and several other army and police officers associated with the AFRC into retirement. This clearly proved ineffective as the economy continued its decline ("Ghana and the Rawlings Era")."
An analysis of nineteenth century female writers by review of "The Lifted Veil" by George Eliot and "The Madwoman in the Attic" by Sarah Gilbert and Susan Gubar.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 2 sources, 2002, $ 35.95
Abstract This paper will discuss the book by Susan Gubar and Sandra Gilbert called "The Madwoman" in the Attic, and seek to understand, through their exposition on nineteenth century female writers, how George Eliot in "The Lifted Veil" reveals patriarchal premise, but is merely showing the dark aside of this obvious bigotry to opposite sex relations. By analyzing the text of "The Lifted Veil", we can see how she usurps the context of a new femininity in her time, by her allusions to male dominance in the book.
Abstract This paper discusses how the conception of justice that liberalism is based on is that all social primary goods -- liberty and opportunity, income and wealth, and the bases of self-respect -- are to be distributed equally unless an unequal distribution of any or all of these goods is to the advantage of the least favored. The writer shows how Rawls breaks this general conception down into two principles: The first principle states that everyone has equal rights and everyone should be able to enjoy these rights as much as possible, without infringing on anyone else's rights. The second principle, called the difference principle, states that inequality should have two restrictions- inequalities have to be beneficial to the least advantaged of society, and inequalities are acceptable only if there is equal opportunity to achieve a higher status. This paper is a critical examination of Liberal Political theory, set forth by Rawls. The paper examines criticism voiced by libertarians, communitarians, and feminists.
From the Paper "The search for the best of all possible worlds is extremely complicated. How can we decide what is the best world? What features would that world have, and why? Do these features concur with our intuitions about what's right? Are certain standards of equality and justice met? Would most people thrive in this world? Is our view on what is best impartial? In Steve Lukes' novel, Professor Caritat attempts to attain an impartial view of the world by asking, in which world would anyone be happy? In order to answer the question, Caritat tries to imagine the best possible world for an unborn embryo. This hypothetical embryo has no idea of its class, sex, race, ethnicity, religion, health, gender, life prospects, etc. Therefore, the embryo has no idea what sort of position it will occupy in society once it is born. Because the embryo has no identity, Caritat must examine every sector of society to see how everyone is treated, and to what extent everyone is allowed to live a good life. Using this criterion, Caritat concludes that none of the worlds that he visits are the ideal place for the embryo. He describes what he believes to be the best of all possible worlds and that description sounds a lot like a world based on liberal ideals. In this world people have the freedom to choose from all types of lifestyles worth living. Besides rule of law, civil peace and order, this society ensures that everyone has access to basic resources, and that the least advantaged are as well off as possible."
Abstract This paper discusses John Stuart Mill's utilitarian-based view, which bases morality on the promotion of the maximum pleasure and minimal pain for the greatest amount of people in a society. The writer then discusses John Rawls' theory of justice, based on the desire for fairness in a society, which opposes Mill's utilitarianism. By presenting a critique of Mill's utilitarianism and showing that moral decisions based on utilitarianism are sometimes unacceptable, as opposed to a common natural desire for justice above all else, the writer demonstrates that Rawls' theory of justice is the most appropriate theory of morality.
From the Paper "On the discussion of moral philosophy and ethics, John Mill supports the position of utilitarianism. Mill's utilitarianism is based on the "greatest happiness principle", which states that moral decisions should be based on promoting the success of the society, maximizing the happiness and pleasure and minimizing the pain and suffering for the greatest amount of people. Mill claims that the desire for happiness and avoidance of pain is true to all people and that this trait should be the basis for a theory of moral philosophy. He elaborates by showing happiness itself can be measured more specifically according to quality rather than simply by quantity, allowing for different levels of happiness dependent on the cause and the individual."
Abstract The author examines the story "A Mother in Mannville," by looking at the different settings, characters, similies and metaphors, as well as the different types of imagery that the author Majorie Kinnan Rawlings used in her short story.
From the Paper "The setting of the story is very calm and peaceful, and Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings uses beautiful similes or metaphors to enhance it. First of all, she describes the color of the laurel and the rhododendron in a way that symbolizes a warm home. Page 113: ?The rhododendron was in bloom, a carpet of color, across the mountainsides, soft as the May winds that stirred the hemlocks.? Second of all, the sounds going on in the story are very quiet; there are none that are sudden or unexpected. Page 114: "Then he began to chop, the blows were rhythmic and steady" the sound no more of an interruption than a consistent rain.? Third of all, it seems as though the orphanage and the author's home are cut off from the rest of the world. Page 112: ??in winter the snowdrifts are so deep that the institution is cut off from the village below, from all the world.? in brief, throughout the story everything remains serene and quiet and it reflects to some extent the events of the story;"
