Read The Assigned Reading From The Chapter And Then C 115231
Read The Assigned Reading From The Chapter Thenchoose Oneof The Quest
Read the assigned reading from the chapter. Then choose ONE of the questions below to answer. Answer the question you chose in a response that is a minimum of 1-2 paragraphs. Be sure to explain your answers and give reasons for your views. You should cite the textbook and use brief quotations and summaries from the textbook in your response.
Do NOT use any other sources besides the textbook. Imagine that you are convinced your own society is structured better or worse than other societies. How would you argue such a position. Plato thinks its possible for a society to be just without equality. Explain his reason for this and how it fits into his model of ideal government.
How much and what type of inequality or equality is acceptable for justice? Respond to the Philosophy Now exercise questions on page 363 concerning "Merit or Equality: Who Gets to Live?" Explain Locke's view of the purpose of government as it's related to his view that people have a right to rebel against a government that abuses its power. Under what conditions does he think such a revolution is justifiable? Compare and contrast classical liberalism and welfare liberalism.
Paper For Above instruction
The assigned reading explores fundamental questions about justice, equality, and governance, prompting reflection on how societies structure themselves and the philosophical underpinnings of these structures. In particular, the contrast between societal justice without equality as proposed by Plato, and contemporary debates on the extent and nature of inequality, provide a rich context for analysis. Additionally, Locke’s conception of government as a protector of natural rights and the conditions under which rebellion is justified are crucial to understanding liberal political philosophy. Comparing classical liberalism and welfare liberalism further illuminates differing visions of the role of government in promoting justice and equality.
Plato’s view that a society can be just without complete equality is rooted in his theory of justice, articulated in his "Republic." For Plato, justice involves each class performing its appropriate role, with the rulers (wisdom), auxiliaries (courage), and producers (desires) fulfilling their functions without interference. He argued that equality in terms of wealth or social status is neither necessary nor desirable for justice; instead, harmony among classes ensures societal stability. This view challenges modern notions that associate justice directly with equality, suggesting instead that justice emanates from a well-ordered specialization of roles, where individuals receive what they deserve based on their abilities and contributions. This stratified model of justice aligns with his concept of the "philosopher-king" ruling wisely, indicating that justice does not demand equality but a proper functioning of societal roles within a hierarchical structure.
Regarding the acceptability of inequality or equality for justice, there is extensive debate. Classical liberalism emphasizes individual rights, property, and merit, often accepting some inequalities as fair outcomes of individual effort and talent. Locke’s perspective highlights that government’s purpose is to protect individuals' natural rights to life, liberty, and property. Locke argued that when a government fails to uphold these rights or becomes tyrannical, citizens have a right to rebellion. Specifically, if the government exceeds its legitimate powers or violates the natural rights of citizens, such as through oppressive laws or abuse of authority, revolution becomes both justifiable and necessary to restore justice (Locke, 1689). This view underscores the importance of limited government and the consent of the governed in classical liberal thought.
In contrast, welfare liberalism advocates for a stronger role of the state in promoting economic equality and social justice, often through redistribution and social programs. While classical liberalism prioritizes individual autonomy and minimal state interference, welfare liberalism emphasizes social welfare and equality of opportunity. Both perspectives agree that justice involves fair treatment and opportunity but differ sharply on the means, with welfare liberalism accepting a broader governmental role to achieve social goods. These differing visions reflect underlying philosophical assumptions about human nature, the role of government, and the nature of justice itself, demonstrating the complex relationship between equality, liberty, and justice in political theory.
References
- Locke, J. (1689). Two Treatises of Government.
- Plato. (c. 380 BC). The Republic.
- Rawls, J. (1971). A Theory of Justice. Harvard University Press.
- Berlin, I. (1958). Two Concepts of Liberty. In Four Essays on Liberty.
- Nozick, R. (1974). Anarchy, State, and Utopia. Basic Books.
- Ely, R. (1998). The Guardian of Every Other Right: A Constitutional History of Property Rights. Harvard University Press.
- Dworkin, R. (1977). Taking Rights Seriously. Harvard University Press.
- Friedman, M. (1962). Capitalism and Freedom. University of Chicago Press.
- Sen, A. (2009). The Idea of Justice. Harvard University Press.
- Gaus, G. (2012). The Order of Public Reason: Normative Foundations of Political Liberalism. Cambridge University Press.