This paper is to illuminate the social significance of positional goods and to assess the desirability of equality of these goods. I begin with a characterization of strict and moderate...Show moreThis paper is to illuminate the social significance of positional goods and to assess the desirability of equality of these goods. I begin with a characterization of strict and moderate egalitarianism and their implications about equality; and I discuss the leveling down principle as well as its objection. Further, I turn to the issue of positionality and non-positionality; define positional goods; clarify the distinction between positional goods with non-positional aspect and non-positional goods with positional aspect; and demonstrate what a notable case equality (and leveling down) of positional goods is in the field of political philosophy and economics. I then proceed to an elaborate discussion about the desirability of equality of positional goods. I conclude that equality of these goods is not desirable and defend this claim on three egalitarian grounds: (1) non-positionality; (2) social growth; and (3) fair competition.Show less
The growing cost of the health care systems in Western countries and the need for reform of those systems has once again sparked a political debate about how to distribute health fairly. The...Show moreThe growing cost of the health care systems in Western countries and the need for reform of those systems has once again sparked a political debate about how to distribute health fairly. The current trend is to put more emphasis on personal responsibility when it comes to the subject of health. This thesis examines different normative theories on how to distribute health fairly. The question is raised of whether there should be put more emphasis on the personal responsibility people have for their health in a fair distribution of health. The conclusion of this thesis is that personal responsibility should not play a role when it comes to a just distribution of health. The punishment for making a wrong decision is too high when making personal responsibility the main criterion for the distribution of health.Show less
