This document is a reading guide for Scanlon "The Diversity of Objections to Inequality". You will find answers to 8 questions that will help you understand the main thesis and subtleties of Williams' approach. The questions are :
a. What is the difference between a humanitarian concern as opposed...
T. M. Scanlon, “The Diversity of Objections to Inequality,” in T. M. Scanlon, The
Difficulty of Tolerance: Essays in Political Philosophy (Cambridge: Cambridge
University Press, 2003), pp.202-19. (17 pp)
a. What is the difference between a humanitarian concern as opposed to an
egalitarian one? If they are different, then how could a humanitarian concern become
a reason in favor of substantive equality?
Humanitarian concerns: stem from a general concern for human welfare and well-being.
(e.g., alleviate suffering). Not necessarily focus on equality itself, but rather on ensuring that
everyone has access to basic necessities.
e.g., “if some ppl live under terrible conditions, while others are very well off” →
“can transfer some resources from the better to the worse” BUT “only if it can be
accomplished without other bad effects”
Egalitarian concerns: that stem from a commitment to equality or fairness
Don’t want to ensure only the fact that everyone has access to basic necessities
→ want to reduce or eliminate the differences between individuals.
Aim to ensure that all individuals are treated fairly and have equal access to the benefits and
opportunities of social life.
Substantive equality: humanitarian concerns can become a reason in favor of substantive
equality. (i.e., Everyone should have an equal chance for fulfilling their goals). Therefore, if
one believes that access to basic needs (e.g., food) is a fundamental right, one might also
believe that these goods must be distributed in a way that everyone has access to them.
b. What is the problem, from an egalitarian perspective, with the social practices
which confer privileges of rank, require expressions of deference (respect), or the
prevailing attitudes of superiority?
These practices:
- Perpetuate inequalities of status and undermine the equal worth and dignity of all
individuals.
- Create social hierarchies that are based on arbitrary factors, such as race,
gender, or social class, rather than on individuals' actual achievements or
contributions.
- These hierarchies can then lead to the distribution of social and economic
advantages and disadvantages that are not based on merit, but rather on
membership in privileged or disadvantaged groups.
- Can also have a negative impact on individuals' sense of self-worth and self-respect,
as they are forced to accept a lower status or to express deference to those who are
seen as superior.
- This can lead to feelings of humiliation and resentment, and can also
reinforce patterns of discrimination and inequality.
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