theory question #5
Discuss what Rousseau thinks about the relation between equality and justice in the political realm, on the one hand, and the proper understanding of equality as such, not just in politics.
- equality and justice are nearly synonymous - R hates the idea of property - private wills of people are abolished altogether so the public will can reign - individual decisions and community decisions are one and the same
Discuss what Locke thinks about the relation between equality and justice in the political realm, on the one hand, and the proper understanding of equality as such, not just in politics.
- equality is a necessary component to justice - politics and society is meant to make people more safe and protected and uphold fundamental equality evident in the SON
Plato - Who is equal to whom, and in what respects?
- equality of classes - rulers, warriors, and craftsmen - you should not strive to leave the class that was assigned by God
Locke - Who is equal to whom, and in what respects?
- everyone is equal - children are not born equal to everyone - parents must nourish and educate their children - adults can officially consent to the government and laws - gender equality (both mother and father have a significant role in raising their child)
Rousseau - What is the standard for judging inequality?
- inequality is only capable of rising when the private desires play a role in society - any time that your will is against the general will
What political and non-political conclusions does Rousseau draw form his judgment?
- no one is meant to own property - absolute equality agreement to the general will - obedience to general will -- leads you to freedom
Plato - What is the standard for judging inequality?
- philosophers have a harmonious soul - warriors are superior in courage
What political and non-political conclusions does Plato draw form his judgment?
- political -- plato thinks people need to lack social mobility ambition in order for the city to function properly - non-political - distributive justice since philosophy and arts are required to thrive -- but men do not like the idea of others being superior --> why the noble lie doesn't work
Discuss what Plato thinks about the relation between equality and justice in the political realm, on the one hand, and the proper understanding of equality as such, not just in politics.
- rule by philosopher kind is bed - but democracy is most likely to form - equality and justice are contradicting - equality that democracy promotes inhibits the philosopher's superiority in virtue
What is the American regime's view of equality?
Dec. of independence -- all men are created equal and should have the same rights and pursuits of their rights - unalienable rights - life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness
Locke - What is the standard for judging inequality?
MONEY! - inequality is born out of the invention of money - you can accumulate wealth -- but, people agreed to this so Locke does not think there is a problem with having more than others
Contrast the dominant American view with that of another regime, either contemporary or historical
Weimar - economic equality tied to political equality - people just wanted economic stability; not political equality - concerned more with security
Rousseau - Who is equal to whom, and in what respects?
everyone when the private and public will become the same
What political and non-political conclusions does Locke draw form his judgment?
political - everyone should be treated equally and their voices should have the same capacity non -political?
