Phil102 Philosophy

ASSIGNMENT: Ethics & Inequality THE GOAL: This assignment is designed for you (1) to think about issues related to economic inequality through the lens of 3 different moral theories and (2) to reflect on your own judgments regarding the topic of economic inequality. SOURCE MATERIALS for this ASSIGNMENT on ECONOMIC INEQUALITY • Watch Videos: Economic Inequality(6:23 minutes and 16:39 minutes) Wealth Inequality in America  How economic Inequality Harms Societies TED Talk by Richard Wilkinson• Reading: “Why is Income Inequality Bad?” Adam Katz June 26, 2011 • Reading Judith Boss “ Moral Theory Summary” Equity In the second image, individuals are given different supports to make it possible for them to have equal access to the game. They are being treated equitably.RealityThe third image reflects vast inequalities that exist both in the U.S.A and the world.Liberation In the final image, all three can see the game without any supports or accommodations because the cause of the inequity was addressed. The systemic barrier has been removed: The distinction between Equailty and Equity now focuses on equal treatment versus attempting to bring about more equal outcomes. Language evolves over time and this distinction can be very helpful. Be aware that as many philosophers and others were writing before this distinction became commonly used, their PRINCIPLES OF EQUALITY were what we now would refer to as. Remember, Peter Singer sketched out his principle of equality as everyone deserving equal consideration of their interests. He wrote that considering everyone’s interests would NOT lead us to treat everyone in the same manner. Rather, he focused on attempting to bring about the best outcomes. With the equality/equity distinction that is currently being used, it would be easy to misinterpret his position since that distinction wasn’t used at the time of his earlier writings.  Respond to all 4 sections below (including their subparts) #1 Judith Boss’ “Moral Theory Summary” (pp. 3-4) Utilitarianism claims that our moral decisions should always be designed to promote the greatest good for all affected by the potential action. The goal of morality is to maximize pleasure (interests) and to minimize pain in the world. Instructions: Our source materials (the videos and the fact sheet) outline many of the conditions that correlate with a high degree of inequality in society. In light of these conditions, discuss what concerns and proposals regarding inequality might emerge from a Utilitarian viewpoint. Feel free to make use of other course or outside materials. #2 Judith Boss’ “Moral Theory Summary” (pp. 7) “Moral rights are generally divided into liberty rights and welfare rights. Welfare rights entail the right to receive certain social goods such as education, medical care, and police protection. Welfare rights are important because without a minimal standard of living or education, we cannot pursue our legitimate interest…. Many refer to welfare rights as social, economic, and cultural rights. Judith Boss’ “Moral Theory Summary” (pp. 7) “Liberty rights, in contrast, entail the right to be left alone to pursue our legitimate interests without interference from the government or other people. Liberty rights include autonomy, privacy, freedom of speech, freedom to own property, freedom from harassment and confinement, and freedom to choose our own career. Our ‘legitimate interests’ are those that do not violate ot PRIher people’s similar and equal interests.” Instructions: Our source materials (the readings and the video) outline many of the conditions that correlate with a high degree of inequality in society. In light of these conditions, discuss what concerns and proposals regarding inequality might emerge from a RIGHTS viewpoint. Make sure to use the liberty/welfare rights distinction in this section. Feel free to make use of other course or outside materials. #3  Judith Boss’ “Moral Theory Summary” (pp. 8-11) “Eudemonia” (human flourishing) is a central concept in Aristotle’s ethics and political philosophy. It is viewed as the highest human good. As a result, the goal of practical philosophy, which includes both political philosophy and ethics, is to determine what promotes human flourishing and how we can achieve it. Instructions: Our source materials (the videos and the fact sheet) outline many of the conditions that correlate with a high degree of inequality in society. In light of these conditions, discuss what concerns and proposals regarding inequality might emerge from an ethical viewpoint that promotes flourishing (thriving) as the primary goal of developing a virtuous character and for good societal structures and policies. Feel free to make use of other courses or outside materials. #4 Note: Be sure you respond to the above 3 sections before beginning these reflections. Instructions: State and explain your own thoughts regarding the existence of economic inequality. Respond to each of the following items. (a) Do you see equality/equity/liberation as important moral values? Why or why not? (b) What responsibilities do you think a society has in regard to this topic? (c) What responsibilities do you think you have? (d) What moral principle(s) or viewpoint is providing the basis for your moral reasoning?