Is it okay that the wealth of the few billionaires depends on the poverty of the many? I
would immediately argue that it’s not okay. I believe in equality and that every human
being should be treated the same. Looking at the question, I will analyze the act
according to Rawls’s theory of Justice as Fairness according to his principles and his
veil of ignorance.
Rawls wanted to theorize what a just and fair society will look like and how to draw the
line between common justice and fairness.
Analyzing our situation according to Rawls’principles will provide us with an honest
answer as to if this is okay.
Principle 1 of justice as fairness was the Greatest Equal Liberty
Rawls referred to his first principle. After doing some research on our basic liberties, I
came upon a few liberties that were strained.
Every human being should be free and equal. Rawls believed that everyone, regardless
of who you are or where you sit in society, should have fundamental, non-negotiable
human rights. Therefore, Rawls was set on establishing equal basic liberties and
fundamental rights; freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, religious liberty, freedom
of conscience. These laws protect every human being. Rawls closely relates to Kant’s
formulation when stating the act as a categorical imperative. The law should be
recognized as a universal law and accepted by everyone; otherwise, it would not be
applicable.
I looked at the inequalities of the DRC Children and the wealthy tech billionaires to
answer the question if these inequalities are justified and fair. According to Rawls’s first
principle of equal rights, it is essential to note the inequalities between these two
societies.
All human beings have the right to life and survival. However, regardless of this
right, these children of the DRC are seen as an object of production. Their life seems
utterly meaningless as their primary goal of existence is instead the quantity of cobalt
being mined. As a result, the child puts his life at risk. The cobalt mines are hazardous.
They are exposed to several risks, such as long-term health problems and unstable
mines, which can collapse at any given moment.
Everyone has the right to be protected against abuse, violence and to be cared
for properly. However, these children in the DRC, especially girls, are being raped
daily and handled with violence. These abusive actions are almost seen as typical.
However, when something like this were to happen to a child of a wealthy family, there
would be significant actions taken, and many people will stand together to end this.
Everyone has the primary and natural right to earn an education in order to fulfill
their potential. However, children in the DRC are required to work in order to battle
starvation; they cannot participate in this right. Even though there is ‘free education, this
is not completely free. Children must still pay for education even if it is believed to be
