Self-ownership and equality: brute luck, gifts, universal dominance, and leximin
Article Abstract:
Philippe Van Parijs propounds a new notion of egalitarian liberalism in his book 'Real Freedom for All.' His theory of justice comprises a plausible conception of self-ownership and compensation, and the promotion of social equality through leximinning. Van Parijs's egalitarian views reject the agents' claim to the benefits of their brute luck, and their right to transfer by untaxed gifts the wealth so generated. Van Parijs's book makes significant contributions to political theory, and justifies the egalitarian liberalism of capitalist societies.
Publication Name: Ethics
Subject: Philosophy and religion
ISSN: 0014-1704
Year: 1997
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Cruelty and liberalism
Article Abstract:
The liberalist school of thought holds that cruelty is the worst possible human act, except when done to prevent even greater cruelty. The state should make the prevention of cruelty the basic tenet underlying its political practices and prescriptions because cruelty is the biggest threat to the conditions in which citizens can build good lives for themselves. This can only be achieved, however, by restricting the freedom enjoyed by individuals classified as cruel.
Publication Name: Ethics
Subject: Philosophy and religion
ISSN: 0014-1704
Year: 1996
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Liberalism, bad samaritan law, and legal paternalism
Article Abstract:
Enactment of 'bad samaritan laws' would incur both moral and theoretical costs for a liberal legal system. Bad samaritan laws would impose criminal sanctions on those who fail to give aid where the risk is low. The practical moral problems involve difficulties in assessing risk to the agent. The theoretical problems for liberalism involve conflicts with neutrality and autonomy. Such laws would also undermine liberal opposition to paternalism.
Publication Name: Ethics
Subject: Philosophy and religion
ISSN: 0014-1704
Year: 1995
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