Question 1

A wealthy merchant named Ulysses wishes to buy a stolen car so he can use it in a demolition derby. Chloe, a school teacher who makes barely enough money to cover her living expenses, also wishes to buy the car so she can get to work in the morning. According to Nozick, why shouldn't Ulysses be allowed to buy the car?

Accepted Answer

According to Nozick, the car shouldn't be bought by anyone because it is stolen, which violates the principle of justice in acquisition.

Question 2

According to entitlement theory, meddlesome preferences are:

Accepted Answer

Entitlement theory asserts that a person is entitled to their possessions if they have acquired them through voluntary exchange or just acquisition. Meddlesome preferences, which are preferences that interfere with someone else’s possessions or choices, are not a valid justification for violating someone else’s entitlement to their possessions. Therefore, according to entitlement theory, meddlesome preferences are considered unwarranted.

Question 3

Which one takes the most market-based approach to the distribution of income?

Accepted Answer

Nozick's entitlement theory takes the most market-based approach to the distribution of income. According to this theory, individuals are entitled to the fruits of their labor and the resources they acquire through voluntary exchange or inheritance, as long as these transactions are just. This means that the government should not engage in redistributive policies that interfere with these transactions or violate individuals' property rights. In other words, income distribution should be determined by the free market, rather than by a predetermined ideal or social welfare criteria.

Question 4

Robert Nozick's theory is also known as:

Accepted Answer

Nozick's theory is commonly known as a libertarian theory of justice, emphasizing on the protection of individual rights, minimal government intervention, and free market economy. It is different from Marxist, progressive, or right-wing ideologies, making options A, C, and D incorrect.

Question 5

When it comes to issues of immigration, economists will consider:

Accepted Answer

Economists typically consider both the costs and benefits of immigration, not only for Americans but also for immigrants themselves and their families. This more comprehensive approach allows for a more nuanced understanding of the impact of immigration on society.

Question 6

Which principle would most likely be favored by J. K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter book series and one of the richest persons in the world?

Accepted Answer

J.K. Rowling has publicly expressed support for wealth redistribution and social welfare, which aligns more closely with Nozick's entitlement theory that emphasizes individual rights and the legitimacy of wealth acquisition, provided it is justly acquired.

Question 7

Economists find that immigration, in general,:

Accepted Answer

While there are debates about the impact of immigration on specific industries and communities, most economists agree that overall, immigration is not a major economic issue in the United States. Studies have shown that immigrants contribute to economic growth and innovation, and do not have a significant negative impact on native-born workers' employment or wages.

Question 8

According to Nozick:

Accepted Answer

Nozick argues that redistributive taxation is akin to forced labor or forced kidney donation, as it violates individual rights by taking resources from one person to give to another without consent.

Question 9

Robert Nozick's entitlement theory of justice is also known as the:

Accepted Answer

Nozick's entitlement theory is often called the libertarian theory of justice because it emphasizes individual freedom and property rights, and minimizes the role of the state in distributing resources or enforcing social goals.

Question 10

Robert Nozick's entitlement theory states that the distribution of income in a society is just if:

Accepted Answer

Nozick's entitlement theory asserts that a distribution of resources or income is fair and just if it is the result of just acquisition, transfer, or voluntary exchange. According to the theory, individuals are entitled to the products of their labor, as well as any resources that they acquire through voluntary trade or gift, without violating another individual's rights. Therefore, only option D, which states that property was justly acquired and voluntarily exchanged, aligns with Nozick's entitlement theory.

Question 11

Many people disagree on whether immigration into the United States is beneficial or costly to its citizens. If the gains to foreigners are counted as much as the gains to U.S. citizens, then immigration would look:

Accepted Answer

When including the gains to immigrants, immigration is especially beneficial overall. While it may have some costs and drawbacks for certain segments of the U.S. population, the overall economic and social benefits tend to outweigh these costs, and immigrants themselves are generally able to improve their own economic and social outcomes through migration. This view is supported by a large body of research in economics and other social sciences.

Question 12

Robert Nozick is more concerned about:

Accepted Answer

Robert Nozick is known for his libertarian views, which prioritize individual freedom and limited government intervention. Therefore, he is more concerned about ensuring equal opportunities for individuals to pursue their own goals and ambitions. He argued that any attempt to equalize income through government redistribution would violate individuals' rights and would not necessarily lead to greater overall prosperity.

Question 13

President Obama said, "I think when you spread the wealth around, it's good for everybody." What theory of social justice is least consistent with the President's remarks?

Accepted Answer

Robert Nozick's entitlement theory argues that individuals are entitled to the fruits of their labor and any wealth redistribution would violate their rights. This is inconsistent with President Obama's statement about spreading the wealth around for the benefit of everyone. Marxism, utilitarianism, and Rawls's maximin principle all support some form of wealth redistribution.

Question 14

Robert Nozick's direct criticism of the importance of income equality is that:

Accepted Answer

Nozick argues that income inequality resulting from voluntary exchanges in a free market should not be condemned, as it reflects individuals' choices and preferences.

Question 15

Robert Nozick would most likely believe that kidney trade should be:

Accepted Answer

Robert Nozick was a libertarian philosopher who believed in individual rights, including the right to control one's own body and property. Therefore, he would likely support the legalization of kidney trade as a voluntary exchange between consenting individuals.

Question 16

In general, economists believe that immigration is:

Accepted Answer

Economists generally believe that immigration is beneficial as it can increase the size of the labor force, boost economic growth, and enhance innovation and diversity. While there may be short-term challenges such as job competition and strain on public resources, the long-term benefits outweigh these costs.

Question 17

Entitlement theory argues for equality:

Accepted Answer

Entitlement theory argues for equality of process, meaning that individuals should be treated fairly and have access to equal opportunities. It does not argue for equality of outcome, where everyone receives the same results regardless of effort or individual circumstances.

Question 18

Which transaction would NOT satisfy Nozick's entitlement theory of justice?

Accepted Answer

Nozick's entitlement theory of justice focuses on the justice of acquisition, transfer, and rectification of holdings. Taxation, as in option B, involves redistributing wealth, which Nozick argues is not justified unless it rectifies past injustices.

Question 19

Many people argue in favor of the U.S. government sending money to the poorest Americans. Such individuals are rarely as enthusiastic about sending money to the poorest people worldwide, many of whom are much poorer than the poorest Americans. Of the topics discussed in Cowen and Tabarrok's chapter on ethics, which one is closest to this apparent paradox?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Many people argue in favor of the...

Question 20

Robert Nozick laid out a(n) ______ theory of justice.

Accepted Answer

Robert Nozick laid out a libertarian theory of justice, which emphasizes the importance of individual rights and the minimal role of the state in enforcing justice. This theory is in contrast to utilitarian and Rawlsian theories, which prioritize the collective good and the redistribution of resources to achieve social justice. Nozick believed that individuals have the right to live their lives as they see fit, without interference, as long as they do not harm others or violate their rights.

Quiz 21: Economics, Ethics, and Public Policy