Richard W. Miller
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199581986
- eISBN:
- 9780191723247
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199581986.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy, Philosophy of Mind
The claim that people in developed countries have vast, unmet obligations to help people in developing countries is usually based on duties of kindness or a global extrapolation of justice among ...
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The claim that people in developed countries have vast, unmet obligations to help people in developing countries is usually based on duties of kindness or a global extrapolation of justice among compatriots. This book constructs a different basis, the need for responsible engagement in transnational interactions in which power is currently abused. After arguing for an undemanding principle of beneficence and deriving duties of justice among compatriots from their special relations, the book develops standards of responsible conduct in current global interactions that determine: what must be done to avoid exploitation in transnational manufacturing, what framework for world trade and investment would be fair, what response to the challenge of global warming is adequate and equitable, what responsibilities to help meet basic needs arise when foreign powers steer the course of development, and what obligations are created by uses of violence to sustain global power. Through detailed empirical inquiries, the book argues that there has been a massive failure to live up to these standards, creating demanding duties to avoid undue advantage and repair abuses of power, on the part of developed countries in general and especially the United States. The book describes policies that would meet these obligations, leading obstacles, and the role of social movements in reducing injustice, especially a global form of social democracy expressing the book's perspectiveLess
The claim that people in developed countries have vast, unmet obligations to help people in developing countries is usually based on duties of kindness or a global extrapolation of justice among compatriots. This book constructs a different basis, the need for responsible engagement in transnational interactions in which power is currently abused. After arguing for an undemanding principle of beneficence and deriving duties of justice among compatriots from their special relations, the book develops standards of responsible conduct in current global interactions that determine: what must be done to avoid exploitation in transnational manufacturing, what framework for world trade and investment would be fair, what response to the challenge of global warming is adequate and equitable, what responsibilities to help meet basic needs arise when foreign powers steer the course of development, and what obligations are created by uses of violence to sustain global power. Through detailed empirical inquiries, the book argues that there has been a massive failure to live up to these standards, creating demanding duties to avoid undue advantage and repair abuses of power, on the part of developed countries in general and especially the United States. The book describes policies that would meet these obligations, leading obstacles, and the role of social movements in reducing injustice, especially a global form of social democracy expressing the book's perspective
Fred Campano and Dominick Salvatore
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- May 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780195300918
- eISBN:
- 9780199783441
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195300912.003.0001
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
This introductory chapter distinguishes between the functional and the personal distribution of income. Sections of the chapter include wants and scarcity, positive and normative aspects of income ...
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This introductory chapter distinguishes between the functional and the personal distribution of income. Sections of the chapter include wants and scarcity, positive and normative aspects of income distribution, adjustments to the circular flow of economic activity, and micro- and macroeconomic aspects of income distribution.Less
This introductory chapter distinguishes between the functional and the personal distribution of income. Sections of the chapter include wants and scarcity, positive and normative aspects of income distribution, adjustments to the circular flow of economic activity, and micro- and macroeconomic aspects of income distribution.
James P. Sterba
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- January 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199580767
- eISBN:
- 9780191745836
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199580767.003.0006
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy, Political Philosophy
In this chapter, Morality as Compromise is completed by showing when the its requirements are enforceable. This is done by starting with the assumptions that are acceptable from a libertarian ...
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In this chapter, Morality as Compromise is completed by showing when the its requirements are enforceable. This is done by starting with the assumptions that are acceptable from a libertarian perspective, the view that appears to endorse the least enforcement of morality, and then showing that this view requires a right to welfare, and that further, this right to welfare, which is also endorsed by a welfare liberal perspective, leads to the substantial equality of a socialist perspective. In effect, recognizing a right to welfare, applicable to all existing and future people, leads to an equal utilization of resources over place and time. It is further argued that this same conclusion can be derived in yet another way — by taking into account the moral status of all living beings.Less
In this chapter, Morality as Compromise is completed by showing when the its requirements are enforceable. This is done by starting with the assumptions that are acceptable from a libertarian perspective, the view that appears to endorse the least enforcement of morality, and then showing that this view requires a right to welfare, and that further, this right to welfare, which is also endorsed by a welfare liberal perspective, leads to the substantial equality of a socialist perspective. In effect, recognizing a right to welfare, applicable to all existing and future people, leads to an equal utilization of resources over place and time. It is further argued that this same conclusion can be derived in yet another way — by taking into account the moral status of all living beings.
Fred Campano and Dominick Salvatore
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- May 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780195300918
- eISBN:
- 9780199783441
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195300912.003.0008
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
This chapter addresses some of the normative issues related to poverty. Both absolute and relative poverty are discussed as well as the more common poverty measures. The connection between the income ...
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This chapter addresses some of the normative issues related to poverty. Both absolute and relative poverty are discussed as well as the more common poverty measures. The connection between the income distribution model and the computation of the poverty measure is illustrated.Less
This chapter addresses some of the normative issues related to poverty. Both absolute and relative poverty are discussed as well as the more common poverty measures. The connection between the income distribution model and the computation of the poverty measure is illustrated.
Richard W. Miller
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199581986
- eISBN:
- 9780191723247
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199581986.003.0007
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy, Philosophy of Mind
Just as a government's political power within its sovereign territory generates political duties of concern, so does the unofficial transnational power of the American empire. By steering the course ...
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Just as a government's political power within its sovereign territory generates political duties of concern, so does the unofficial transnational power of the American empire. By steering the course of development in many countries, through structural adjustment and other manipulations of need, the United States has acquired a residual duty to help meet basic needs that people of those countries cannot on their own—a duty shared, to a lesser degree, by allied developed countries. In propping up client regimes, the United States acquires a responsibility to make up for their failings. In using violence, direct or sponsored, which does not respond to aggression or the consent of the endangered people of a country, the United States acquires a duty of to make good the damage. After arguing that such a reparative duty extends at least two generations back, the chapter concludes with an account of American imperial destruction over the last half century.Less
Just as a government's political power within its sovereign territory generates political duties of concern, so does the unofficial transnational power of the American empire. By steering the course of development in many countries, through structural adjustment and other manipulations of need, the United States has acquired a residual duty to help meet basic needs that people of those countries cannot on their own—a duty shared, to a lesser degree, by allied developed countries. In propping up client regimes, the United States acquires a responsibility to make up for their failings. In using violence, direct or sponsored, which does not respond to aggression or the consent of the endangered people of a country, the United States acquires a duty of to make good the damage. After arguing that such a reparative duty extends at least two generations back, the chapter concludes with an account of American imperial destruction over the last half century.
Fred Campano and Dominick Salvatore
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- May 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780195300918
- eISBN:
- 9780199783441
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195300912.003.0012
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
This chapter focuses on the role of the government in ensuring basic needs and how that may be managed through income taxes and public expenditure. The analysis is mainly done in the framework of ...
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This chapter focuses on the role of the government in ensuring basic needs and how that may be managed through income taxes and public expenditure. The analysis is mainly done in the framework of income flows to and from quantiles of households.Less
This chapter focuses on the role of the government in ensuring basic needs and how that may be managed through income taxes and public expenditure. The analysis is mainly done in the framework of income flows to and from quantiles of households.
Sabina Alkire
- Published in print:
- 2002
- Published Online:
- April 2004
- ISBN:
- 9780199245796
- eISBN:
- 9780191600838
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199245797.001.0001
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
The author examines how Amartya Sen's capability approach can be coherently—and practically—put to work in participatory poverty reduction activities so that the voices and values of the poor matter. ...
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The author examines how Amartya Sen's capability approach can be coherently—and practically—put to work in participatory poverty reduction activities so that the voices and values of the poor matter. Sen argues that economic development should expand ‘valuable’ capabilities; the author probes how what is valuable can be identified. Sen deliberately left the capability approach ‘incomplete’ in order to ensure its relevance to persons and cultures with different understandings of the good. The book has an introductory chapter, followed by 2 parts, and a brief appendix that looks at some of Sen's formalized relationships and proposes various amendments to these. Part I (4 chapters) proposes a framework for identifying valuable capabilities that retains this ‘fundamental’ incompleteness and space for individual and cultural diversity. It draws Sen's work into discussion with a number of authors and critics, especially John Finnis, in order to suggest a possible way in which the value issues may be addressed coherently, and the methodological implications worked out in a participatory manner. The author addresses foundational issues regarding the identification and pursuit of valuable dimensions of human development based in practical reason, then observes that much of the criticism of development arises from negative impacts on social or cultural/religious dimensions that are also deeply valued by the poor. Part I closes with a four‐part ‘operational definition’ of basic capability that bridges ‘basic needs’, participation, and informed consent. Part II (2 chapters) critically discusses one narrow set of methodologies (those of micro‐project evaluation) and suggests a tool for improving the evaluation of participatory projects that are consistent with the tenets of reason advanced in Part I—an alternative participatory method for systematically identifying valued changes in participants’ capability sets. Three case studies of women's income generation activities in Pakistan—goat‐rearing, adult literacy, and rose cultivation—contrast economic cost‐benefit analysis of each activity with capability analysis.Less
The author examines how Amartya Sen's capability approach can be coherently—and practically—put to work in participatory poverty reduction activities so that the voices and values of the poor matter. Sen argues that economic development should expand ‘valuable’ capabilities; the author probes how what is valuable can be identified. Sen deliberately left the capability approach ‘incomplete’ in order to ensure its relevance to persons and cultures with different understandings of the good. The book has an introductory chapter, followed by 2 parts, and a brief appendix that looks at some of Sen's formalized relationships and proposes various amendments to these. Part I (4 chapters) proposes a framework for identifying valuable capabilities that retains this ‘fundamental’ incompleteness and space for individual and cultural diversity. It draws Sen's work into discussion with a number of authors and critics, especially John Finnis, in order to suggest a possible way in which the value issues may be addressed coherently, and the methodological implications worked out in a participatory manner. The author addresses foundational issues regarding the identification and pursuit of valuable dimensions of human development based in practical reason, then observes that much of the criticism of development arises from negative impacts on social or cultural/religious dimensions that are also deeply valued by the poor. Part I closes with a four‐part ‘operational definition’ of basic capability that bridges ‘basic needs’, participation, and informed consent. Part II (2 chapters) critically discusses one narrow set of methodologies (those of micro‐project evaluation) and suggests a tool for improving the evaluation of participatory projects that are consistent with the tenets of reason advanced in Part I—an alternative participatory method for systematically identifying valued changes in participants’ capability sets. Three case studies of women's income generation activities in Pakistan—goat‐rearing, adult literacy, and rose cultivation—contrast economic cost‐benefit analysis of each activity with capability analysis.
James Griffin
- Published in print:
- 1988
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198248439
- eISBN:
- 9780191597558
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198248431.003.0004
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy
Perhaps certain objective accounts of well‐being are superior to any desire account. This chapter considers primarily need‐accounts, of which the central claim is well‐being, at least that conception ...
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Perhaps certain objective accounts of well‐being are superior to any desire account. This chapter considers primarily need‐accounts, of which the central claim is well‐being, at least that conception of it to be used as the interpersonal measure for moral judgement, is the level to which basic needs are met. The chapter argues against need accounts, but acknowledges the obvious strengths of objective accounts—not, however, what has been called an objective‐list account, because the common distinction in ethics between ‘objective’ and ‘subjective’ is too sharp.Less
Perhaps certain objective accounts of well‐being are superior to any desire account. This chapter considers primarily need‐accounts, of which the central claim is well‐being, at least that conception of it to be used as the interpersonal measure for moral judgement, is the level to which basic needs are met. The chapter argues against need accounts, but acknowledges the obvious strengths of objective accounts—not, however, what has been called an objective‐list account, because the common distinction in ethics between ‘objective’ and ‘subjective’ is too sharp.
Philippe Cullet
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199546237
- eISBN:
- 9780191705519
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199546237.003.0004
- Subject:
- Law, Public International Law, Environmental and Energy Law
This chapter analyzes the policy context within which water law reforms are introduced. It examines the basic principles that underlie existing water sector reforms, in particular the concept of ...
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This chapter analyzes the policy context within which water law reforms are introduced. It examines the basic principles that underlie existing water sector reforms, in particular the concept of integrated water resources management, the focus on water conservation, water as a basic need, water as an economic good, decentralization and participation, and governance and institutional changes. It considers the policy framework that has steered water sector reforms over the past two decades. It focuses in particular on the international policy framework and the role of development banks in fostering the adoption of these principles at the national level. It then analyzes water policies adopted at the national and state level, and discusses the shift towards an emphasis on water law reforms as one of the key elements contributing to the overall process of reform in the water sector.Less
This chapter analyzes the policy context within which water law reforms are introduced. It examines the basic principles that underlie existing water sector reforms, in particular the concept of integrated water resources management, the focus on water conservation, water as a basic need, water as an economic good, decentralization and participation, and governance and institutional changes. It considers the policy framework that has steered water sector reforms over the past two decades. It focuses in particular on the international policy framework and the role of development banks in fostering the adoption of these principles at the national level. It then analyzes water policies adopted at the national and state level, and discusses the shift towards an emphasis on water law reforms as one of the key elements contributing to the overall process of reform in the water sector.
Kaushik Basu
- Published in print:
- 1991
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780198286370
- eISBN:
- 9780191718441
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198286370.003.0011
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
This chapter evaluates policies for combating persistent and mass poverty, with empirical illustrations from the experiences of some South Asian countries. It argues that direct action is possible ...
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This chapter evaluates policies for combating persistent and mass poverty, with empirical illustrations from the experiences of some South Asian countries. It argues that direct action is possible and even desirable, and that different policy options are available for achieving higher growth and greater equity. The chapter scrutinizes various poverty alleviation programmes, many of which failed but are promising if effectively planned and implemented. To design an efficacious anti-poverty policy, it is essential to evaluate the whole package of several schemes together. The success of direct action programmes depends greatly on their political background. It is argued that political constraints are not only difficult to overcome but also difficult to understand.Less
This chapter evaluates policies for combating persistent and mass poverty, with empirical illustrations from the experiences of some South Asian countries. It argues that direct action is possible and even desirable, and that different policy options are available for achieving higher growth and greater equity. The chapter scrutinizes various poverty alleviation programmes, many of which failed but are promising if effectively planned and implemented. To design an efficacious anti-poverty policy, it is essential to evaluate the whole package of several schemes together. The success of direct action programmes depends greatly on their political background. It is argued that political constraints are not only difficult to overcome but also difficult to understand.
Cara Nine
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199580217
- eISBN:
- 9780191741456
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199580217.003.0003
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
Chapter 2 defends the general collective right to territory from the perspective of natural law theory. A general right to territory is a claim to be self-determining over some territory, even if the ...
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Chapter 2 defends the general collective right to territory from the perspective of natural law theory. A general right to territory is a claim to be self-determining over some territory, even if the particular territory is not yet identified. Natural law theory is well suited for the task of explaining and justifying territorial rights because it establishes a universal method for the appropriation of exclusive rights over goods. However, modern natural law theorists did not carry out a sustained investigation of territorial rights. Consequently, this chapter utilizes capability theory to develop a naturalistic perspective from which we can derive a general principle regarding the acquisition of territorial rights. This principle tells us that exclusive territorial rights are justified if they are essential for the provision of individual basic needs.Less
Chapter 2 defends the general collective right to territory from the perspective of natural law theory. A general right to territory is a claim to be self-determining over some territory, even if the particular territory is not yet identified. Natural law theory is well suited for the task of explaining and justifying territorial rights because it establishes a universal method for the appropriation of exclusive rights over goods. However, modern natural law theorists did not carry out a sustained investigation of territorial rights. Consequently, this chapter utilizes capability theory to develop a naturalistic perspective from which we can derive a general principle regarding the acquisition of territorial rights. This principle tells us that exclusive territorial rights are justified if they are essential for the provision of individual basic needs.
Rafael Di Tella and Robert MacCulloch
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199732739
- eISBN:
- 9780199776887
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199732739.003.0008
- Subject:
- Psychology, Social Psychology
This chapter tests for whether, once “basic needs” are satisfied, there is happiness adaptation to further gains in income using three data sets. Individual German Panel Data from 1985-2000, and data ...
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This chapter tests for whether, once “basic needs” are satisfied, there is happiness adaptation to further gains in income using three data sets. Individual German Panel Data from 1985-2000, and data on the well-being of over 600,000 people in a panel of European countries from 1975-2002, shows different patterns of adaptation to income across the rich and poor. This chapter finds evidence that for wealthy Germans, and for the rich half of European nations, higher levels of per capita income don’t buy greater happiness. The reason appears to be adaptation. However even for the rich half of European nations such habituation may take over 5 years so the happiness gains that they experience, whilst not permanent, can still be relatively long-lasting. Finally the chapter studies a cross section of nations in 2005 from the World Gallup Poll and find that the past 45 years of economic growth (from 1960-2005) in the rich half of nations has not brought happiness gains above those that were already in place once the 1960s standard of living had been achieved. However in the poorest half of nations the null hypothesis cannot be rejected that the happiness gains they have experienced from the past 45 years of growth have been the same as the gains that they experienced from growth prior to the 1960s.Less
This chapter tests for whether, once “basic needs” are satisfied, there is happiness adaptation to further gains in income using three data sets. Individual German Panel Data from 1985-2000, and data on the well-being of over 600,000 people in a panel of European countries from 1975-2002, shows different patterns of adaptation to income across the rich and poor. This chapter finds evidence that for wealthy Germans, and for the rich half of European nations, higher levels of per capita income don’t buy greater happiness. The reason appears to be adaptation. However even for the rich half of European nations such habituation may take over 5 years so the happiness gains that they experience, whilst not permanent, can still be relatively long-lasting. Finally the chapter studies a cross section of nations in 2005 from the World Gallup Poll and find that the past 45 years of economic growth (from 1960-2005) in the rich half of nations has not brought happiness gains above those that were already in place once the 1960s standard of living had been achieved. However in the poorest half of nations the null hypothesis cannot be rejected that the happiness gains they have experienced from the past 45 years of growth have been the same as the gains that they experienced from growth prior to the 1960s.
James P. Sterba
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- January 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199580767
- eISBN:
- 9780191745836
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199580767.003.0007
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy, Political Philosophy
The argument from liberty to equality presented in the previous chapter has not been without its critics. Accordingly, the argument in its present form owes a great deal to past critiques of its ...
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The argument from liberty to equality presented in the previous chapter has not been without its critics. Accordingly, the argument in its present form owes a great deal to past critiques of its earlier incarnations. This chapter considers and replies to would-be devastating critiques that have now been directed against the latest version of the argument by John Christman, Allan Gibbard. Gerald Gaus, Tibor Machan, and Jan Narveson. Like many past critics of the argument, these recent critics also look upon the argument for equality, for the most part, with deadly intent. This chapter purports to show how the argument can, in fact, be further strengthened and developed through responding to them.Less
The argument from liberty to equality presented in the previous chapter has not been without its critics. Accordingly, the argument in its present form owes a great deal to past critiques of its earlier incarnations. This chapter considers and replies to would-be devastating critiques that have now been directed against the latest version of the argument by John Christman, Allan Gibbard. Gerald Gaus, Tibor Machan, and Jan Narveson. Like many past critics of the argument, these recent critics also look upon the argument for equality, for the most part, with deadly intent. This chapter purports to show how the argument can, in fact, be further strengthened and developed through responding to them.
John Kekes
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199588886
- eISBN:
- 9780191595448
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199588886.003.0006
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy, Philosophy of Religion
The system of values of the agent's society forms the external standard for judging the relative importance of the agent's commitments. There are three dimensions of value: universally human, ...
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The system of values of the agent's society forms the external standard for judging the relative importance of the agent's commitments. There are three dimensions of value: universally human, cultural that vary with societies and times; and personal that vary with individuals. Each dimension has a standard for judging the adequacy of the relevant values. Human values are adequate if they satisfy basic needs; cultural values are adequate if they provide a system of values that sustains the allegiance of the inhabitants of a society; and personal values are adequate if the conceptions of well‐being formed out of them enable individuals to live satisfying lives. These values conflict and our well‐being requires some way of settling their conflicts, but there is no universal principle for settling the conflicts; it can only be done by attending to the concrete features of particular conflicts. These features vary with circumstances and values.Less
The system of values of the agent's society forms the external standard for judging the relative importance of the agent's commitments. There are three dimensions of value: universally human, cultural that vary with societies and times; and personal that vary with individuals. Each dimension has a standard for judging the adequacy of the relevant values. Human values are adequate if they satisfy basic needs; cultural values are adequate if they provide a system of values that sustains the allegiance of the inhabitants of a society; and personal values are adequate if the conceptions of well‐being formed out of them enable individuals to live satisfying lives. These values conflict and our well‐being requires some way of settling their conflicts, but there is no universal principle for settling the conflicts; it can only be done by attending to the concrete features of particular conflicts. These features vary with circumstances and values.
James P. Sterba
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- January 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199580767
- eISBN:
- 9780191745836
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199580767.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy, Political Philosophy
Most contemporary moral and political philosophers would like to have an argument showing that morality is rationally required. This book provides just such an argument and further show that ...
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Most contemporary moral and political philosophers would like to have an argument showing that morality is rationally required. This book provides just such an argument and further show that morality, so justified, leads to substantial equality. The argument from rationality to morality is based on the principle of non-question-beggingness and it has two forms. The first assumes that the egoist is willing to argue for egoism non-question-beggingly, and the second only assumes that the egoist is willing to assent to premises she actually needs to achieve her egoistic goals. Either way, it is argued, morality is rationally (i.e., non-question-beggingly) preferable to egoism. The argument from morality to equality also non-question-beggingly starts with assumptions that are acceptable from a libertarian perspective, the view that appears to endorse the least enforcement of morality, and then shows that this perspective requires a right to welfare, and that further, when this right is extended to distant peoples and future generations, it leads to substantial equality. The strategy is to find conflicts of (negative) liberty within a libertarian perspective, and then argue that when these conflicts are appropriately resolved, they favor an allocation of liberty that supports a right to welfare that, in turn, when fully implemented, leads to substantial equality. The book also defends thus two-part argument against recent critics and further show how the argument is preferable to alternative attempts to justify morality as well as alternative attempts to show that morality leads to a right to welfare and/or to equality.Less
Most contemporary moral and political philosophers would like to have an argument showing that morality is rationally required. This book provides just such an argument and further show that morality, so justified, leads to substantial equality. The argument from rationality to morality is based on the principle of non-question-beggingness and it has two forms. The first assumes that the egoist is willing to argue for egoism non-question-beggingly, and the second only assumes that the egoist is willing to assent to premises she actually needs to achieve her egoistic goals. Either way, it is argued, morality is rationally (i.e., non-question-beggingly) preferable to egoism. The argument from morality to equality also non-question-beggingly starts with assumptions that are acceptable from a libertarian perspective, the view that appears to endorse the least enforcement of morality, and then shows that this perspective requires a right to welfare, and that further, when this right is extended to distant peoples and future generations, it leads to substantial equality. The strategy is to find conflicts of (negative) liberty within a libertarian perspective, and then argue that when these conflicts are appropriately resolved, they favor an allocation of liberty that supports a right to welfare that, in turn, when fully implemented, leads to substantial equality. The book also defends thus two-part argument against recent critics and further show how the argument is preferable to alternative attempts to justify morality as well as alternative attempts to show that morality leads to a right to welfare and/or to equality.
Cara Nine
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199580217
- eISBN:
- 9780191741456
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199580217.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
Historical injustice and global inequality are basic problems embedded in territorial rights. We ask questions such as: How can the descendants of colonists claim territory that isn’t really ...
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Historical injustice and global inequality are basic problems embedded in territorial rights. We ask questions such as: How can the descendants of colonists claim territory that isn’t really ‘theirs’? Are the immense, exclusive oil claims of Canada or Saudi Arabia justified in the face of severe global poverty? Wouldn’t the world be more just if rights over natural resources were shared with the world’s poorest? These concerns are central to territorial rights theory and at the same time they are relatively unexplored. In fact, while there is a sizeable debate focused on particular territorial disputes, there is little sustained attention given to providing a general standard for territorial entitlement. This widespread omission is disastrous. If we don’t understand why territorial rights are justified in a general, principled form, then how do we know they can be justified in any particular solution to a dispute? As part of an effort to remedy this omission, this book advances a general theory of territorial rights. This book puts forward a theory of territorial rights that starts with the idea that territorial rights affect everybody. Territorial rights, it asserts, must be universally justified. it adapts a theoretical framework from natural law theory to ground all territorial claims. In this framework, particular territorial rights are claimable by the collectives that establish legitimate, minimal conditions for justice within a geographical region. A consequence of this theoretical approach to territorial rights is that exclusive resource entitlements are justified, even if they maintain global inequality.Less
Historical injustice and global inequality are basic problems embedded in territorial rights. We ask questions such as: How can the descendants of colonists claim territory that isn’t really ‘theirs’? Are the immense, exclusive oil claims of Canada or Saudi Arabia justified in the face of severe global poverty? Wouldn’t the world be more just if rights over natural resources were shared with the world’s poorest? These concerns are central to territorial rights theory and at the same time they are relatively unexplored. In fact, while there is a sizeable debate focused on particular territorial disputes, there is little sustained attention given to providing a general standard for territorial entitlement. This widespread omission is disastrous. If we don’t understand why territorial rights are justified in a general, principled form, then how do we know they can be justified in any particular solution to a dispute? As part of an effort to remedy this omission, this book advances a general theory of territorial rights. This book puts forward a theory of territorial rights that starts with the idea that territorial rights affect everybody. Territorial rights, it asserts, must be universally justified. it adapts a theoretical framework from natural law theory to ground all territorial claims. In this framework, particular territorial rights are claimable by the collectives that establish legitimate, minimal conditions for justice within a geographical region. A consequence of this theoretical approach to territorial rights is that exclusive resource entitlements are justified, even if they maintain global inequality.
Peter A. Corning
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- February 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780226116136
- eISBN:
- 9780226116334
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Chicago Press
- DOI:
- 10.7208/chicago/9780226116334.003.0012
- Subject:
- Biology, Evolutionary Biology / Genetics
This chapter proposes a more rigorous and systematic approach to the concept of adaptation that is based on basic needs. It applies the concept of biological adaptation specifically to human ...
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This chapter proposes a more rigorous and systematic approach to the concept of adaptation that is based on basic needs. It applies the concept of biological adaptation specifically to human societies and develops a detailed framework of fourteen basic needs that define the parameters of the survival/reproduction problem for humankind. This chapter suggests that the basic needs paradigm could provide an analytical tool for examining more closely the relationship between our social, economic, and political behaviors and institutions and their survival consequences, as well as providing a predictive tool of some value.Less
This chapter proposes a more rigorous and systematic approach to the concept of adaptation that is based on basic needs. It applies the concept of biological adaptation specifically to human societies and develops a detailed framework of fourteen basic needs that define the parameters of the survival/reproduction problem for humankind. This chapter suggests that the basic needs paradigm could provide an analytical tool for examining more closely the relationship between our social, economic, and political behaviors and institutions and their survival consequences, as well as providing a predictive tool of some value.
Katharine G. Young
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199641932
- eISBN:
- 9780191746086
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199641932.003.0002
- Subject:
- Law, Constitutional and Administrative Law, Human Rights and Immigration
Part I of this book aims to expand our understanding of the scale of interpretative possibilities that accompany economic and social rights. This chapter advances two interpretive theories: those of ...
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Part I of this book aims to expand our understanding of the scale of interpretative possibilities that accompany economic and social rights. This chapter advances two interpretive theories: those of rationalism and consensualism. Both are found in the interpretations of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and of constitutions found protective of economic and social rights, such as in South Africa, Canada, Germany and India. The chapter examines the rationalist privileging of human dignity or of the basic needs required for survival. It contrasts this with an interpretive approach that looks to the consensus reached by a majority of states (in international law) or constituents (in constitutional law). Neither standpoint provides a fully determinate answer, particularly in light of the notion of reasonable disagreement. The ways in which the two standpoints are reconcilable are suggestedLess
Part I of this book aims to expand our understanding of the scale of interpretative possibilities that accompany economic and social rights. This chapter advances two interpretive theories: those of rationalism and consensualism. Both are found in the interpretations of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and of constitutions found protective of economic and social rights, such as in South Africa, Canada, Germany and India. The chapter examines the rationalist privileging of human dignity or of the basic needs required for survival. It contrasts this with an interpretive approach that looks to the consensus reached by a majority of states (in international law) or constituents (in constitutional law). Neither standpoint provides a fully determinate answer, particularly in light of the notion of reasonable disagreement. The ways in which the two standpoints are reconcilable are suggested
Carl Knight
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- May 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199565801
- eISBN:
- 9780191725463
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199565801.003.0008
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Political Philosophy, Moral Philosophy
This chapter identifies three contrasts between responsibility-sensitive justice and desert-sensitive justice. First, while responsibility may be appraised on prudential or moral grounds, it is ...
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This chapter identifies three contrasts between responsibility-sensitive justice and desert-sensitive justice. First, while responsibility may be appraised on prudential or moral grounds, it is argued that desert is necessarily moral. As moral appraisal is much more plausible, responsibility-sensitive justice is only attractive in one of its two formulations. Second, strict responsibility sensitivity does not compensate for all forms of bad brute luck, and forms of responsibility-sensitive justice like luck egalitarianism that provide such compensation do so by appealing to independent moral concerns such as equality. Desert-sensitive justice can deliver the appropriate compensation without relying on external moral resources. Finally, while responsibility-sensitive justice harshly refuses to provide for those whose basic needs are unsatisfied due to their own negligent actions, this result can be averted by desert-sensitive justice as it can take into account responsibility-independent considerations. In sum, desert-sensitive justice appears to offer a tighter fit with considered judgments about justice.Less
This chapter identifies three contrasts between responsibility-sensitive justice and desert-sensitive justice. First, while responsibility may be appraised on prudential or moral grounds, it is argued that desert is necessarily moral. As moral appraisal is much more plausible, responsibility-sensitive justice is only attractive in one of its two formulations. Second, strict responsibility sensitivity does not compensate for all forms of bad brute luck, and forms of responsibility-sensitive justice like luck egalitarianism that provide such compensation do so by appealing to independent moral concerns such as equality. Desert-sensitive justice can deliver the appropriate compensation without relying on external moral resources. Finally, while responsibility-sensitive justice harshly refuses to provide for those whose basic needs are unsatisfied due to their own negligent actions, this result can be averted by desert-sensitive justice as it can take into account responsibility-independent considerations. In sum, desert-sensitive justice appears to offer a tighter fit with considered judgments about justice.
Johan Galtung
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780198567523
- eISBN:
- 9780191693670
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198567523.003.0019
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Psychology
This chapter opens with a definition of the terms used in the discussion. Well-being is defined as a subjective emotion whose condition and expression vary from person to person. Several approaches ...
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This chapter opens with a definition of the terms used in the discussion. Well-being is defined as a subjective emotion whose condition and expression vary from person to person. Several approaches to well-being are discussed in the succeeding sections. These are: the peace-based approach; the development approach; the health-based approach; the human rights-based approach; and the Buddhist approach, with its concepts of suffering and fulfilment. The main purpose of the mentioned approaches is to ‘move’ individuals from states of ill-being to well-being and to satisfy basic human needs. Studies and research on peace, well-being, and politics are then presented to enrich the discussion. The chapter concludes with the idea that well-being hinges on two things. First is a removal of suffering through the satisfaction of basic needs and then sustaining this state of ‘non-suffering’. Second is to find meaning and purpose in one's life.Less
This chapter opens with a definition of the terms used in the discussion. Well-being is defined as a subjective emotion whose condition and expression vary from person to person. Several approaches to well-being are discussed in the succeeding sections. These are: the peace-based approach; the development approach; the health-based approach; the human rights-based approach; and the Buddhist approach, with its concepts of suffering and fulfilment. The main purpose of the mentioned approaches is to ‘move’ individuals from states of ill-being to well-being and to satisfy basic human needs. Studies and research on peace, well-being, and politics are then presented to enrich the discussion. The chapter concludes with the idea that well-being hinges on two things. First is a removal of suffering through the satisfaction of basic needs and then sustaining this state of ‘non-suffering’. Second is to find meaning and purpose in one's life.
