Distributive Justice Inequality in Virtue Ethics and...

Inequality in Virtue Ethics and Ethical Egoism Distributive justice attempts to limit economic inequalities that may arise in a society and is often associated with a minimum standard of living. While political equality concerns a citizens political power, economic equality is commonly equated to equal opportunity, though the two are not mutually exclusive (Justice and Equality). In this paper I will explore the virtues of charity, tolerance, and empathy, considering their potential contribution to the reduction of inequality. I will begin by showing how reducing inequality is beneficial to both individuals and society and is in the individuals true self-interest. In the first section, I will examine how the thinkers Aristotle,†¦show more content†¦Aristotle acknowledged that luck plays a role in an individuals well-being. In Politics he states, â€Å"It is evident that everyone aims at living well and at happiness. But while some can achieve these ends, others, whether bec ause of luck or because of something in their nature, cannot† (Steinberger). Inequalities may arise by chance, out of the individuals control, and through no fault of their own or defect of character. The effects of luck on the individual may be exacerbated or tempered depending on their available resources. â€Å"The happy person,† Aristotle says, â€Å" is the one whose actives accord with complete virtue, with an adequate supply of external goods, not for just any time but for a complete life† (Irwin). Individuals lacking resources are unable to achieve the virtuous or happy life and may be at greatest risk of suffering misfortune, adding to inequality. The community of the Greek polis likely influenced Aristotles perspective on inequality, lending itself to a more compassionate view than other thinkers. Private property and appropriation based on individual investment of labor also leads to potential inequality. In Second Treatise of Government, Locke posits that â€Å"the labor of his body [†¦] are properly his† (Steinberger). An individual creates private property through their labor and the products of their labor are therefor their private property. Locke argues that initially there was a surplus of common goods which an individual would notShow MoreRelatedSears Auto Center Scandal1475 Words   |  6 PagesLGST001 Ââ€" Ethics and Social Responsibility Sears Auto Center Scandal Managing Business Ethics Text (pp.207 - 210) Ethical Decision-making Issue: Should Sears remove its commission-based compensation scheme? Group Stand: The majority of the group believes that Ellen should be removed from the team. Support for Motion: Rawls theory/Egalitarianism The underlying inequality is that car owners are paying for repair services they do not require while Sears benefits by earning higherRead MoreWage Variance Acceptable And Ethical Inequality2370 Words   |  10 Pagesworker s income in the United States. In comparison, the pay ratios in Japan and Germany were 17 and 23 times greater, respectively. The large difference in these numbers make many wonder whether this observed wage variance acceptable and ethical. Inequality can negatively influence economy and social stability. It leads to the public resentment and the feeling of inequity because only a few are rewarded. It destroys a sense of shared values, initiates misbalance and nurtures US versus THEM mentalityRead MoreThe Philosophy of Happiness11705 Words   |  47 Pagestreatises. But in all of them, we are offered a definition of happiness as activity in accordance with virtue, that is to say, doing well what is worth doing and what we are good at. Aristotle’s definiti on derives from a consideration of the function or characteristic activity (ergon) of human beings. Man must have a function, the 16 Life, Liberty, the Pursuit of Utility Nicomachean Ethics argues, because particular types of men (e.g. sculptors) have a function, and parts and organs of human