Question 1

Libertarianism involves a commitment to leaving market relations-buying, selling, and other exchanges-totally unrestricted.

Accepted Answer

Libertarianism generally favors minimal government intervention in economic affairs and a laissez-faire approach to markets, advocating for free trade, property rights, and individual freedom to engage in voluntary transactions without government interference. Therefore, a commitment to leaving market relations unrestricted is a characteristic of libertarianism.

Question 2

According to libertarianism, liberty is the prime value, and justice consists in permitting each to live as he or she pleases, free from the interference of others.

Accepted Answer

This is a central idea in libertarian philosophy, which emphasizes individual freedom and minimal government intervention in people's lives. Libertarians believe that individuals have the right to pursue their own interests without coercion or interference from others, and that the role of the state should be limited to protecting these freedoms and enforcing the rule of law. This perspective contrasts with other political ideologies, such as socialism or conservatism, which prioritize other values such as equality or tradition.

Question 3

Define "Lockean rights" in your own words.

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Question 4

According to John Stuart Mill, what does it mean to say that a person has a right to something?

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Question 5

Talk of justice and injustice typically focuses on several related moral ideas. Explain what they are.

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Question 6

John Rawls's second principle of justice states that insofar as inequalities are permitted -- that is, insofar as it is compatible with justice for some jobs or positions to bring greater rewards than others -- these positions must be open to all.

Accepted Answer

This accurately reflects John Rawls's second principle of justice, often known as the "difference principle." It emphasizes that while some degree of inequality may be permitted, it must be arranged in such a way as to benefit the least advantaged members of society, and opportunities for advancement must be open to all regardless of social background or other factors.

Question 7

For utilitarians, justice is an independent moral standard distinct from their general principle.

Accepted Answer

For utilitarians, justice is not an independent moral standard but rather a component of their general principle of maximizing overall happiness or pleasure. Utilitarians believe that a just action is one that maximizes the overall well-being of society as a whole. Therefore, justice is not seen as distinct from their general principle but rather an integral part of it.

Question 8

What does Rawls mean by the original position and the veil of ignorance?

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Question 9

D.W. Haslett argues that inheritance is inconsistent with capitalism.

Accepted Answer

D.W. Haslett argues that inheritance is inconsistent with capitalism because inheritance allows wealth to be concentrated and passed down through generations, creating a class of individuals who have not earned their wealth through their own hard work or merit. This goes against the principles of capitalism, which values competition and equal opportunities for success.

Question 10

John Isbister in "Income Distribution" argues that pay differentials are necessary to acknowledge capability, work and talent differences. Is he right?

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Question 11

Explain the relationship between justice and fairness.

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Question 12

According to Mill, to say that I have a right to something is to say that I have a valid claim on society to protect me in the possession of that thing, either by force of law or through education and opinion.

Accepted Answer

Mill argues that a right is a claim that an individual has upon society to protect them in the possession of something. This protection can take the form of laws or cultural norms reinforced through education and opinion. So, saying that an individual has a right to something means that they have a valid claim on society to protect them in possessing that thing.

Question 13

The main point of the "Battle Over Bottled Water" is that water is the lifeblood of the earth.

Accepted Answer

The article highlights the debate and controversy surrounding the consumption and distribution of bottled water, ultimately emphasizing the importance of water as a limited and critical resource for the planet.

Question 14

It is clear that women in the United States have no problem living the American Dream.

Accepted Answer

While many women in the United States have made progress toward achieving the American Dream, there are still significant barriers for women in terms of pay equity, representation in leadership roles, and access to healthcare and education.

Question 15

Briefly explain the basic principles of Nozick's entitlement theory.

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Question 16

What do economists mean by "the declining marginal utility of money" and how does Brandt use the concept to argue for greater economic equality?

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Question 17

In his Principles of Political Economy, J.S. Mill argued for the desirability of breaking down the sharp and hostile division between the producers or workers, on the one hand, and the capitalists or owners, on the other hand.

Accepted Answer

Mill believed that the division between producers and capitalists was harmful to society and advocated for a system in which both groups worked together for the common good. He argued that this would lead to greater prosperity and social harmony.

Question 18

If the market is left without regulation, will it eventually reward those that deserve it?

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Question 19

Libertarians would find it immoral and unjust to coerce people to give food or money to the starving.

Accepted Answer

Libertarians believe in the principle of non-aggression and the protection of individual rights, including property rights. They would argue that forcing someone to give their resources to others, even in the case of starvation, would be a violation of those rights and would not be a just solution. Instead, they would advocate for voluntary charity or private efforts to address the issue.

Question 20

What is the "maximin" rule for making decisions and what role does it play in Rawls's argument?

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Quiz 3: Justice and Economic Distribution