Luck egalitarianism is a theory that follows from Dworkin. It is an interesting theory of distributive justice which states that differences in wealth are allowed when based on differences in...Show moreLuck egalitarianism is a theory that follows from Dworkin. It is an interesting theory of distributive justice which states that differences in wealth are allowed when based on differences in ambition. Differences based on endowments are not allowed. The original formulation of luck egalitarianism by Dworkin has three problems: the harsh treatment problem, a distributive paradigm and the background inequalities problem. This dissertation tries to reformulate luck egalitarianism in a responsibility sensitive way in order to overcome the three problems. The conclusion of this dissertation is that the responsibility sensitive interpretation of luck egalitarianism comes closer to solving the problems than Dworkin's original formulation, however the responsibility sensitive interpretation does not solve all of the problems.Show less
Given that self-respect plays an incredibly important role in our lives, the aim of this thesis is to determine what place it should have in a theory of justice. In order to do so, it first...Show moreGiven that self-respect plays an incredibly important role in our lives, the aim of this thesis is to determine what place it should have in a theory of justice. In order to do so, it first examines the existing philosophical literature on this concept. It argues that this literature does not offer us a proper understanding of self-respect, treating it as an exclusively normative notion, while failing to consider its non-normative, empirical facet. By drawing on recent scientific research, it shows that there is an essentially natural component to self-respect, thereby pointing out a gap in the existing philosophical literature. Moreover, it argues that this natural component has to be taken into account, not just in order to properly understand this concept, but also to determine its place in a theory of justice. So, what is the place of self-respect in a theory of justice? Zooming in on John Rawls’ theory of justice as fairness, this thesis shows that Rawls only focussed on securing the social bases of self-respect, but failed to properly acknowledge its essentially natural component. Consequentially, Rawls failed to fully comprehend the fundamental difference between selfrespect and other social primary goods, failed to recognise the limits to treating self-respect as a distribuendum, and most seriously, failed to properly compensate citizens suffering from a natural deficiency of self-respect. This leads to the view that self-respect should be understood as a metric of justice instead of as a distribuendum. Lastly, this thesis asks how a theory of justice should treat those who are pessimistically predisposed, and as a result lack self-respect. It shows that these citizens can to at least some extent develop their self-respect. However, it also shows that in order to properly support citizens’ self-respect, one should not think and speak in terms of compensating them for some ‘disadvantage’, but in terms of affirming their equal worth and allowing them to live a worthy life. It concludes that while Dworkin’s luck egalitarian theory fails on the ideal and non-ideal level, and Anderson’s relational egalitarian theory fails on the non-ideal level, incorporating the constructive critique offered by Sen’s capabilities approach would make Rawls’ theory of justice optimally conducive to securing citizens’ self-respect.Show less
In recent years, distributive justice has been increasingly concerned with the elimination of disadvantages for which individuals are not responsible. Ideally, these misfortunes should be relieved...Show moreIn recent years, distributive justice has been increasingly concerned with the elimination of disadvantages for which individuals are not responsible. Ideally, these misfortunes should be relieved by those whose fortune is not their responsibility. This is the core of responsibility-egalitarianism. This thesis asks how can it be possible that a society accomplishes a responsibility-egalitarian distribution of economic inequalities. More specifically, I discuss the real-world possibility of (re)distributing economic inequalities according to a specific version of responsibility-egalitarianism. If possible, this version would ensure that all disadvantaged individuals are able to avoid the economic disadvantages they face. I use Ronald Dworkin´s proposal for equality of resources as an example of this responsibility-egalitarian distribution and assess its application in the real-world by means of taxation. My thesis is that a responsibility-egalitarian distribution of economic inequalities is possible by means of a new form of progressive income taxation. Establishing this scheme gives individuals the real ability of choosing to avoid misfortunate economic circumstances.Show less
