Free Essay

Global Justice

In:

Submitted By bmah
Words 5963
Pages 24
In order to begin to understand and analyze Dr. Peffer’s Theory of Social Justice, we want to first look at the five main principles. These principles are a Modified look at John Rawls’s “Two Principles” of Social Justice (1971). These five modified principles include The Basic Rights Principle, The Maximum Equal Basic Liberties Principle, The Fair Equality of Opportunity Principle, The Modified Difference Principle, The Social and Economic Democracy Principle. First of all, The Basic Rights Principle addresses the very fundamental issues of Security and Subsistence Rights. The Security Rights are described as the institutional responsibility to uphold the physical integrity and protection against threats such as murder torture. Psychological threats are also included which I believe is a great and underestimated point since that is often the more detrimental kind of abuse. The concept of Psychological threats is very hard to apply internationally due to the fact that proof of harm becomes completely subjective. This subjective nature makes it hard to be universally applied. In terms of these states and societal groups not engaging in these ‘extra-juridical’ activities, I cannot say I fully agree. I believe that in certain circumstances where the Security Rights of one person who is has violated that of others, can and should be sacrificed to ensure the security rights of others. A common example would be the interrogation of a known suspect with information pertaining to mass violation of Security Rights (i.e. serial killers and terrorists). In this example I believe it to be perfectly acceptable to carry out whatever is needed (whether that is physical or psychological torture) to prevent the malicious act of others willing to disregard another’s Security Rights. For this reason I believe that each and every person deserves this Security Right until they negatively affect, directly or indirectly, that of another person. The second Basic Right addressed is referred to as Subsistence Rights, which outlines the guarantee of a certain range of resources, required by human beings to function with minimal levels of health and education. As a method of fulfillment, this principle says, “Every able adult is expected – or at least strongly encouraged – to exert some effort towards meeting these goals”. I completely agree that within a community, if a person is putting in decent effort to maintain their livelihood, they should be aided in order to meet the basic necessities such as food, water and shelter. However I do not think that help should be given to those who participate in harmful or self-destructive behavior. For example, if a person receiving aid continues to misuse it to fulfill something as a drug addiction or any other activity that may affect the wellbeing of others, they should lose their right to any outside aid. I also disagree that one society/country should be obligated to aid another in need. While I obviously think this is the right thing to do, I could never call it a requirement to aid another just because you have more than them at this moment in time. Societies are constantly cycling in prosperity and if giving up extra resources to help another in a time of need means that you sacrifice the security of your descendants, you should first protect your own. This is already natural for all humans. This goes along with a statement later in the Subsistence Rights, which talks about earth’s resources that, “must be preserved such that future generations can also meet their basic needs”. I agree with this section completely because if we are talking as general as the human species, evolution and generational survival becomes most important idea and if we exhaust all resources to satisfy those struggling to survive, we may be stretching our resources too thin and destroying quality of life for our sons and grandsons. The second of Dr. Peffer’s Principles, The Maximum Equal Basic Liberties Principle, is a scheme of Equal Liberties for mentally competent adults that include; Civil Liberties, Family Rights and Political Liberties. The Civil Liberties refer to individuals’ right to freedom of speech, assembly, religion and worship and so on. There is nothing I disagree with among the Civil Liberties as long as these liberties do not interfere with all of the Basic Rights Principles already stated. For example if a person’s speech reaches the point where it becomes psychologically detrimental to another person, that freedom should be taken away and addressed in an appropriate matter. Similarly if the person freely chooses their occupation to be a harmful one such as an assassin or a drug dealer, they should also immediately lose that freedom. Among the Family Rights is the right to raise one’s children, “however families may be structured in particular societies and cultures – as its adult members see fit, so long as this is within the limits of (legitimate) systems of criminal, civil, and family law”. Once again as long as the Basic Rights are upheld among every person than all of these claims are legitimate. For this reason I particularly like that this section goes into detail pertaining to the rights of children. One thing I would add which goes along with subsistence rights, that even with perfectly good intentions and parenting skills, a person should not be allowed to bring a child into a society where there is simply not enough resources to go around. This idea of prevention of over population may not be fair to the parents but follows the basic rights principle. Thirdly, Political Liberties are included in these Maximum Equal Basic Liberties. These outline the rights to campaign, vote, and run for (and hold) political office and “If necessary – limitations on large differentials in income and wealth that make even approximate equal worth of political liberties impossible within societies”. While I agree with this equality, I do not think it can be internationally applied. It is definitely the ideal within a free democratic state but cannot be applied to nations that use different political structures. For example I am sure the Queen of England along with any other monarchial political system would find these claims completely ridiculous. For this reason if you want to make this idea universal you would need to first argue for the world acceptance of the democratic system. The third principle that Peffer presents is called the Fair Equality of Opportunity Principle. This refers to the equal opportunity among approximately equal naturally talented individuals when it comes to the acquisition of social positions and offices. While I believe this principle does an excellent job of setting mass society requirements that disallow any type of discrimination due to race, gender etc… I do not think that the idea of universal access to equal high-quality education is just or possible. This ‘equality’ would remove incentive for success in competition upon which our society thrives on. If everything was equal than there would be no private school for those financially advantaged who have put in additional investments and sacrifices (time, money) to ensure a higher level of education for themselves or their descendants. Higher education has become a commodity over time just like any other precious resource and any attempt to equalize it for all would mean cutting down those who have worked harder to attain it. The fourth principle titled, The Modified Difference Principle, develops just boundaries concerning economic and material inequalities. While Peffer’s principle recognizes that total equality within mass societies is most likely impossible, it also states that these inequalities are only just if they maximally benefit the least materially advantaged persons. On the other side of this, the principle maintains that these inequalities are not be great enough to allow for the undermining of; (a) equal worth liberties required by due process in civil and criminal law and (b) a persons’ self respect. This principle does an excellent job of distinguishing to whom these claims are to be applied. It reads that it applies directly to non-able persons which is a very just requirement being it is not their fault they cannot contribute and earn enough. In contrast it says the principle should be applied indirectly to able adults, the only ones that should receive the aid are those who lack genuine opportunity. This indirect application of the principle creates a very grey area as people can make their own opportunities. Also, their level of effort towards being productive and seizing opportunity is not easily measured and can surely be faked (for example, there are many people who manipulate the unemployment payments and work illegally to gain extra income). This makes these ‘equalizing’ industries very difficult to regulate effectively. The principle also states that it should be applied between societies so that per capita use of natural resources is equal. I do not fully agree with this because the forced decisions made about resource distribution undermines the voting power of people within societies and begins to interfere with peoples’ basic rights. Overall I am tentative to equalize societies in such a manner because while these institutions may not completely erase the incentives for people to compete and “efficiently pursue educational, productive, and creative activities”, the most competitive entrepreneurs and discoverers will in some way be discouraged to completely fulfill potential and will result in the overall deceleration of human advancement in all areas. The fifth and final principle presented by Peffer is called The Social and Economic Democracy Principle, which addresses the need for adults to have an equal right to participate in decision-making processes within large scale and public social and economic institutions (which one is a member). Having this principle not be applied directly to private associations, small business and so on make for a vague criteria of what is large or small and makes for a very blurry line between need for participation. Also I am unsure if this principle is intended to be applied across borders but if it is than I must contest it because it is not fair for peoples’ within a society to lose their proportion of participation to those who transfer from one society to another. In conclusion each of these five principles make very justifiable claims that could be implemented to promote a more morally sound society. However, whether it is a good thing or not, some of these ideas threaten the level of competition throughout our society and knowing the greed of humans, may never be successfully executed. Also when these large-society oriented principles begin to be applied internationally, things become much more complicated as the cultural perspective and economic incentives vary unbelievably. Similarly these principles may begin to violate each other when the decision power of societies or countries (violating basic rights) is taken away in the name of equality. A final concern is the equilibrium between international equality of resources during the present and the need to support future generations who will follow our path on this planet. Should we sacrifice the consumption insurance of our children for the well being of individuals internationally who we will never see or hear from? I do not believe the Just Savings Principle and the Basic rights of peoples’ can be simultaneously maintained in our world due to the issue of overpopulation. With the world growing exponentially in number as it is, it is not possible to pass on equal levels of consumption and availability of resources without implementing one or both of two things. One option, which China has already tried, is the disallowance of families to have children at their own discretion, thus limiting peoples’ basic rights as well as their family rights contained in the Maximum Equal Basic Liberties Principle. Or, second we would need to completely violate the Modified Difference principle and simply rely on the idea of survival of the fittest. This survival of the fittest scenario would of course allow families or societies to be wiped out of existence, thus allowing those left to prosper, maintain Sustenance Rights, and fulfill the Just Savings Principle in benefit of their descendants. This is why I believe (at least in our situation of overpopulation) that when deciding on a theory of Global Justice to live by, there is no way to escape the choice between lowering the quality of life (or eliminating the possibility of existence all together) of either your children or those around the world occupying the planet also. After examining these principles and their implications, we see they do not automatically choose between capitalist or socialist economic arrangements. With the consideration that it is perfectly possible that a socialist economy may recognize the private ownership of small-scale business (or even medium-sized) as legitimate within their system, it appears that these principles are leaning almost completely toward a socialist economic arrangement. This socialist acceptance of private ownership of small businesses is contained in David Schweickart’s idea of Economic Democracy, which is similarly contained in the agreeing five principles written by Dr. Peffer. Since this would not be a basic right within the socialist society but rather a legal right (and possibly a moral right) we cannot say that these principles ‘automatically’ choose a socialist economic arrangement even though it is essentially in accordance with their legal and moral guidelines. As previously discussed, Dr. Peffer has created a concise, yet specific set of fundamental principles associated with importance of respecting and aiding the fulfillment of the basic rights of human beings. Also he argues, which I broadly agree with, that any economic component of a theory of social justice must be applied internationally along with being applied within a given nation. Along with these social justice principles presented by Dr. Peffer, there are also specific environmental ethics, (referring to Interspecific Justice such as justice or morality between humans and other organisms) which he provides practical guidelines of improvement. The overarching issues that Dr. Peffer addresses and explains to be interconnected are those of world hunger (including extreme poverty in general), population pressures and environmental degradation and destruction. As said in the Subsistence Rights section of Peffer’s Basic Rights principle, each person should be guaranteed the resources necessary to function normally. Due to the inability to satisfy this guarantee, the issue of world hunger as become an international concern. In the essay, “World Hunger, Moral Theory and Radical Rawlsianism”, Dr. Peffer first narrows the viable resolution theories by eliminating those that are empirically unsupportable. When looking at the connection between overpopulation as the root problem to world hunger, Dr. Peffer points out that as Amartya Sen and others have exhibited, famines and starvations are not the consequence from a literal lack of food within particular societies but is the lack of an adequate entitlement system to adequate nutrition (as we saw in the movie The Business of Hunger countries are exporting large amount of food during times of starvation). This is an amazing truth unknown to most people that disprove Hardin’s argument that our planet is in a “lifeboat” situation (meaning wealthy nations permits or requires not to aid the starving countries). I agree completely that this is reason for the objection of the idea that carrying capacities have been exceeded even though it is definitely a danger we must realize in connection with other issues. This revelation along with the sorting out of the next six resolution ideas ( 2. Should the world hunger problem be addressed on an individual basis or by the social, economic, and political institutions, policies, and programs? 3. Is the issue of saving people a matter of charity or is it a matter of justice? 4. Should the issue be analyzed in terms of duties of justice and principles of distributive justice, or moral rights? 5. If concluded (4) to be moral rights, than which rights should be recognized 6. Comparative moral strength of all of the components of an adequate theory of social justice and the impact this makes on the issue of world hunger? 7. Do people have an obligation to help people within their borders or those outside of their borders) brings us to the analysis of Amartya Sen’s moral and empirical evaluation of the world hunger problem. Dr. Peffer presents Amartya Sen’s three important ideas, which I find extremely compelling and viable. One is the idea that goods and services are not valuable in themselves. He says their value rests on what they can do for people. This idea that may seem very simple has become lost in the profit driven world we live in which results in a very imbalanced distribution of goods. Second, he asserts that the capability to be well nourished relies not only on food entitlement, but also other goods and services such as health and education. This wise assessment is also accompanied by the fact that “there is no real evidence to doubt that all famines in the modern world are preventable by human action”. Peffer believes which I agree with, that Rawlsian theories offer a well-worked out system of priority relations among good, whereas Sen’s do not. The conclusion of the analysis of these first seven hypotheses brings us to the eighth and final proposal that presents the best and most logically just solution to the massive epidemic of world hunger. This eighth proposal is the emphasis on the formation of the institutions, programs and policies needed to solve this emergency. In this section Peffer presents empirical analyses and policy suggestions compatible to Rawlsian theory, yet original in nature. Peffer asserts that the most important component of the solution to world hunger consists in nation-states, themselves, implementing the policy of national food self-reliance. Following this policy in order of importance is need for fair arrangements of international trade and developmental aid. The policy of food self-reliance creates the best chance for societies to meet their subsistence needs by demanding focus on certain issues. First of all societies need to make sure that land is distributed and used in a fair and efficient manner meaning, the arable land is mostly used to grow staple foods that people in those cultures normally eat rather crops for export. Another crucial component of the policy is that entitlement systems are in place, which guarantees that people have access to adequate nutrition. The ideas concerning the national food self-reliance policy make much more sense than Sen’s focus on raising the income of people so they can buy food. I believe this policy is the best way to ensure the nutrition and survival of anyone affected by world hunger. As we saw in the video “The Business of Hunger”, third world countries like Senegal are being destroyed by this marketization and internationalization of economic mechanisms for food production and distribution. Sadly, we saw in that movie, these third world countries are producing more than enough food to support themselves yet are starving due to the profit driven exportation of crops. The only problem is that in order to successfully implement such a policy, you must first fix the unjust and money-motivated international economic system that is exploiting these agricultural countries for money and leaving them to starve. As “The Business of Hunger” showed, the Dominican Republic’s economy is largely controlled by a massive company that produces and exports sugar. The government does not provide any basic needs for its people and allows for the exploitation of the country by these companies. Similar in corruption, countries like the Philippines have military forces patrolling the country to crush rebellious farmers who lost everything including their land to the big companies. The land is just taken without regard for the people that rely on it resulting in widespread poverty and starvation. I believe that as an intermediary step to fully implementing the policy of national food self-reliance (as it will have many corrupt, wealthy cooperation’s opposing it), wealthy countries like the United States should be heavily taxed on the importation of food from third world countries. This would promote the slow down of exportation in these countries and aid in the overall goal of the national food-self reliance policy. The next important world issue is that of overpopulation. While we have seen that it is not the root cause of the previous issues of world hunger, it is still a very interconnected issue that puts a lot of stress on societies as well as the planet. While we may not have reached our ‘carrying capacity’ yet, we are definitely on a quick path to surpassing it. As we see in Peffer’s explanation of environment justices’ concerns, this overpopulation is in countless ways leading to the environmental degradation and resource depletion that is occurring all over the world. Similarly these other factors both contribute to overpopulation as well as one another, creating this triangular connection of these monumental planetary problems. While it may seem that these connected issues such as overpopulation and poverty will start to level each other out, we are finding that it is not the case. For example we would expect poorer societies to have less children due to their inability to feed them (this should counteract overpopulation). However, Peffer points out, “the so-called “Many Hands Phenomenon” which is the fact that very poor people tend to have more children, rather than less, because in many particular situations the extra “hands’ (i.e. workers) are a financial benefit rather than a burden since they are cheap (unpaid) sources of labor for working the land, gathering water and firewood from increasingly distant places, or even for selling flowers or candy (etc.) on the streets in urban areas”. This counterintuitive and desperate phenomenon is just one of many example of the problems with the level of interconnectivity among these three huge dilemmas. Another example Peffer exhibits is the Social-scientific studies of cultural norms in favor of having larger families with the idea that the more children very poor people have the better chance there is that at least one of those children will become economically successful enough to take care of their parents in their old age or when they become too ill or injured to work. In response to these previous examples of overpopulation, Peffer presents his support for the so-called demographic transition. This demographic transition describes the transition from high growth rates toward lower more sustainable rates. Peffer explains that critical condition to achieving this transition is through the development of a “social safety net”. This means that people will not reproduce in such a desperate manner if their basic needs (including their social security in case of old age or inability to work) are guaranteed. Peffer also recognizes the importance of access to family planning (in terms of both education and contraceptive technologies) as well a the empowerment of women by giving them more opportunities for gaining social status outside of the roles of mother and child-rearer. I completely agree with this idea of the social safety net to contribute to the demographic transition. However, this is only one piece of the puzzle to attaining a sustainable growth rate as advancements in medicine and many other factors are contributing to this exponential expansion of our race. Also, even if we assume these third world governments are financially capable of providing this safety net, the effect on reproduction rates will be very delayed. I think there will be such a delay because fulfillment of these basic rights are not going to immediately suppress the desperation to survive that these poor people have been dealing with for generations. Similarly, these assurances are only going to aid their financial security to the point of sustenance and the desperation of poverty will still exist and it is human nature to desire the improvement of whatever situation you are in (mostly the poor; example: just because you can eat, the desperation for new clothes, than bicycle will still exist). While in no way do I disagree with this theory, I think there needs to be some other positive reinforcement for the reduction in childbirth that will have quicker result (such as financial rewards). The third part to this triangular connection of 21st century, planet wide problems environmental degradation. Environmental degradation comes in many forms such as; resource depletion, erosion and of course pollution. In connection with world poverty, Peffer points out how experts in the field have shown that the most destructive groups of people on the planet are the richest 20% and the poorest 20%. The wealthiest people are environmentally destructive because we consume such an incredible amount of resources and consequently, are also responsible for the emission of a large and disproportionate amount of pollution. (For example, the population of the United States currently has about 5% of the world’s population but uses between 20-25% of the earth’s resources every year and produces between 20-25% of the world’s pollution every year.) These wealthy nations have only briefly been mentioned concerning the other issues but in this case, Peffer draws attention to theories of limiting developed countries immense destruction on the environment. The Kyoto Protocol was adopted in hopes of cutting back the green house gas emissions of developed nations by 5% by 2012. However, Peffer believes that it should be our duty to go above and beyond that protocol which is his reason for his institutional proposal of a Carbon Credit Scheme to control greenhouse gas emissions. This Carbon Credit Scheme would allow developing societies to barter their carbon credits (or rights) to emit certain green house gases. This scheme would require massive transfers of environmentally friendly technology and capital to the developing world from the developed world, while encouraging both to adopt clean energy and other green technologies. This argues for a new global order where wealth and power becomes more evenly distributed and attempt to keep the goal of preventing earth from warming more than eight degrees Celsius (at the equator) by 2050. This goal is attainable if the worldwide emission greenhouse gases for the next 100 years are cut in half (6 billions tons per year to 3). The organization to implement such a worldwide change is called hypothetically called the Planetary Management Authority. I think that this theory of Carbon Credit and a new world order is a fantastic idea that significantly helps both the problem of environmental degradation as well as that of international inequality among developed and developing nations. I do not agree with the reasoning of the disproportionate distribution of credits between developed and undeveloped countries that the developed countries deserve less since they are much more responsible for the current pollution. While this may be true, penalizing the developed nations will only cause the lack of cooperation with the idea. Also the excess of credits for developing countries will only allow them to pollute in excess just like the currently developed countries did once (and two wrongs don’t make the environment right). Overall I do think this scheme and new world order, if possible to successfully implement would do the world a great service. In response to growing need for fair trade and a more equitable international economic system, Peffer presents an institutional proposal that would compliment the Carbon Credit Scheme. His proposal is the implementation of a Tobin Tax on international currency transactions. This proposed ½% on current volumes of currency would raise another $300-400 billions for 3rd World development along with the added bonus of making currencies more stable. I am completely for the implementation of this Tobin Tax for several reasons. First I believe that at such a percent, those paying the tax will not be greatly discouraged, while those in 3rd world countries receiving the development money would be greatly benefited. Also I believe this along with taxed food from 3rd world countries would aid in the preliminary steps necessary for the realization of the national food self-reliance policy. On the other hand, this Tax would be difficult to pass, as the large international cooperations (who often, whether its fair or not, have more voting power) that will be paying this tax will not be receiving any of the benefits. While each of these proposals presents the opportunity for improvement in regard to these interconnected world issues, we cannot expect any of them (even if implemented successfully) to sufficiently address the problem in the long run. It seems that each of these ideas presents a temporary fix to a much larger issue that will remain unsolved. As Peffer and Schweickart would both agree, real, long-term advancement will remain unrealized until we bring about an improved socioeconomic system. For Peffer and Schweickart, these socioeconomic societies that could solve these issues on both a national and international level would be democratic market socialist societies. From there further international improvements would eventually require a worldwide federation of such societies. Capitalism is viewed by Schweickart as a predatory system that continually generates ruthless inequalities. In his essay, “Six Suggested Modifications To David Schweikart’s Suggested Institutional Structures in his After Capitalism”, Peffer reviews and modifies certain aspects of Schweickart’s institutional theories concerning Economic Democracy over the current corrupt Capitalistic system. After reading through these six modifications, I would say that I agree with all of them as they each address individual components to the theory and make them more reasonable as well as acceptable. In conjunction with Peffer’s Modifications Schweickart, Peffer presents us with two of capitalism’s major flaws. First is that since the capitalist systems allow the bulk of investment wealth to be privately owned and invested on the basis of maximizing profits, there will not be any escape from recessions as well as the constant possibility of a depression. I fully agree with this being a major flaw of capitalism because these large private owners tend to be extremely greedy and take massive risks in hopes of profit without regard to the implications on the economy as a whole. Due to the severity of this most recent recession (that we’re not even fully out of), it is probably easy for being to see truth in this flaw that Peffer brings up. In this most recent recession the gambling on mortgage bundles by these big banks left the stock market in shambles once these loans defaulted. What these big ‘risk takers’ fail to realize is that these irresponsible decisions not only destroy our economic stability but also the individual live of families who are affected by these crashes. The second flaw presented is that capitalism is not healthy unless it is growing, which it always striving for (the market tends to grow over the long run, despite ups and downs), but this means that capitalism is not indefinitely sustainable due to the environmental limits of economic growth on this planet. This argument by Peffer makes a very interesting point in that due to our carrying capacity and resource limitations; there will eventually be a point (if we don’t destroy everything by then) where growth is no longer possible. Due to the nature of capitalism, any stagnation or contraction means a very unhealthy and unstable economy. Since we recognize that this limitation is inevitable, we must recognize the undeniable necessity for a restructuring of the system as a whole. When attempting to make a morally just decision on the proper system to be implemented, one must ask if it is really possible to have any kind of socialist economic system that will be truly compatible with political democracy. I believe that a system such as Schweickart’s Economic Democracy (along with Peffer’s six modifications) presents an alternative system that would allow for the compatibility of a socialist economy with a political democracy. This claim obviously brings up opposing ideas, which Peffer also lays out. First of all is the claim that people say that history shows socialist economies simply don’t work. In response to this simplistic and false claim, I would say that many examples of socialist economies are false examples in the first place These countries that have been called socialists lack at least some of the true socialist components and usually contain capitalistic aspects such as the large private bulk investments being used for profit. Also some of the socialist economies we have seen in the past that are closest to the true Market socialism such as Yugoslavia from about 1950-1989 and Revolutionary Cuba since 1959 are seen as being examples against the use of socialism. Saying socialism ‘didn’t work’, just because they no longer use socialism is not true because that does not consider the immense capitalist pressure influencing this movement. The second claim in favor of capitalism is that capitalists are necessary in any contemporary economic system because they are the source of investment capital (these vital economic inputs being: land, labor and capital). This is easily shown to be false because looking back in history; governments in the absence of capitalists have been completely successful in generating and dispersing capital. Similar to this, Peffer shows that paper capital is not the same thing as real capital. For this reason, if a true economic democracy is put in place, there is no need for the private investment of these economic inputs. The third claim brought up by Peffer is that people (particularly those who do not understand market socialism) believe that entrepreneurs are necessary for any contemporary economy and, thus, so are capitalists. This can be shown false by looking at the true definition of these two economic roles. Not all entrepreneurs are capitalists although many do not understand the difference. Objectors to economic democracy think that a socialist system would eliminate personal incentive but this is not true either, because it merely limits personal gain to an extent. Having said this, it is very possible to have entrepreneurs who contribute to society without the existence of a single capitalist. The fourth claim that people may make is that capitalists deserve their wealth because they have earned it. If we really look at the extremely wealthy, their income is obviously way out of proportion, no matter how much work they put in or intelligence they had. For this reason, luck plays a major role in the equation. Similarly, it is often the case these large wealthy cooperation’s have produced such a profit margin due to their exploitation of resources, manipulation of the market, or the use of cheap overseas labor. The fifth and final claim against capitalism that Peffer mentions is that people believe top executives of companies deserve their millions of dollars because they are the only ones qualified for the job. This clearly relates to the previous claim and is usually false because the one’s holding these jobs obviously had a rare opportunity that most do not to establish a resume like the one they did. Peffer’s incredible example of how Ben and Jerry’s owners announced that they would consider anyone who applied a candidate for President of their company, so long as they could write a one page essay stating why they wanted the position and why they felt they could do a good job at it. Out of tens of thousands of applications they chose an African-American school janitor who had only a high school education... and their company didn't miss a beat. While this is very hilarious, it is the perfect counter example to the idea that these executives’ salaries match their qualifications. In conclusion it is obvious that there are numerous amounts of perspectives that must be considered when formulating a morally sound theory of social justice. By establishing the goals we have as a human race and structuring proposals for institutions, which can achieve these goals, we can work toward a better society that can improve on the many interconnected world concerns that we deal with today.

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Global Justice

... Web CT – to be announced Wed. 300-730 pm Phil. 334 ETHICS TOPICS COURSE: GLOB AL JUSTICE Required Texts: Rodney G. Peffer, Global Justice, Human Rights, and the Natural Environment (i.e. various published articles and unpublished essays that are components of this work that will either be put on ERES or emailed to you; there’s nothing to buy) David Schweickart, After Capitalism John Rawls, The Law of Peoples Thomas Pogge & Keith Horton (ed.), Global Ethics: Seminal Essays Thomas Pogge & Darrel Moellendorf (ed.), Global Justice: Seminal Essays Will Kymlicka, Politics in the Vernacular (Optional) E-Reserve Essays are in: Phil. 340 E-Reserves: Password = “war” Phil. 338 E-Reserves: Password = “endangered” Phil. 462 E-Reserves: Password = “worldpeace” A. Essays by Rodney G. Peffer (Peffer) B. Marxism, Morality, and Social Justice (MMSJ) I –XXI (Essays) = Essays by other authors divided into Sections All ERES Readings are in my Phil. 462 ERES unless noted otherwise. * = An important component of my next book. Jan. 26 General Introduction to Course Jan. 31 Basics of Political Philosophy/ Peffer’s Theory of Social Justice The following 6 short essays by me are in the “Introductory Materials” sub-folder of the “Essays by Rodney G. Peffer” folder of my Phil. 462 ERES. R.G. Peffer *“On...

Words: 6832 - Pages: 28

Premium Essay

Global Distributive Justice Summary

...In the article titled “An Immigration-pressure model of global distributive justice”, Carvallero talks about how International laws concentrate opportunities in some societies while it limits them in others. Putting up boarders prevent those who are in less favored societies from gaining access. He argues that though each country should have their own discretion with immigration and illegal aliens, that same country should be obligated to help other countries of where the immigrants are coming from. (2006). Distributive Justice is defined as the proper distribution of things like wealth, power and rewards between different people. Distributive justice refers to what society owes it individual members in proportion to their needs and available resources. The principles around this concept implies that society has a responsibility to that...

Words: 546 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Global Justice

...Chapter 1 – Age of Total War “In 1914 there had been no major war for over a century, that is to say, a war in which all, or even a majority of, major powers had been involved, the major players in the international game at the time being the six European ‘great powers’, the USA and Japan.” (Hobsawm p. 22). The French lost 20 per cent of their men of military age. “One quarter of Oxford and Cambridge students under the age of twenty-five who served in the British Army in 1914 were killed.” (Hobsawm p. 26). The British lost 500,000 men under the age of 30. Both sides tried to win the war by developing new technology. The Germans brought poison gas, and hydrogen-filled airships. The British developed the tank. Both sides developed their own submarines. At the end of the war the Treaty of Versailles was signed which dealt with the rise of Russia as an alternative regime, the need to control Germany, and the search for the kind of settlement which would prevent another war. WW2 was a result of the failure of the treaty of Versailles. Germany was forced to limit its army to 100,000 men, pay for the entire costs of WW1, and give up its overseas colonies. Germany felt this was unfair. Japan and Italy were also major aggressors into the start of WW2. The losses from WW2 were many times greater than the first one. “In short, 1914 opens the age of massacre” (Hobsawm p. 24) Chapter 3 – Into the Economic Abyss Each state trying to protect their economies from the outside, globalization...

Words: 699 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Global Justice Essay

...Global Justice In today’s world there is much suffering occurring such as war, famine, unequal opportunities and treatment of people, disparities between rich and poor countries. The problem in today’s society is there is a lack of global justice. According to Drydyk global justice means freedoms and opportunities to learn, work and feed and clothe people globally (Drydyk, 23). The importance of justice to business and society is to make the world just and bring equality for all. It is important for business and society to help other countries and treat them equally. It is important for business as well so that they can work fairly together to achieve the goal of global justice. Studying global justice allows people to become aware of the injustices that people around the globe face such as war, poverty, limited opportunities, etc. Moreover, global justice allows countries to be united under a legal system (Drydyk, 23). My research questions is what are the root causes of injustices in our world and how can they be solved? In this essay, I will demonstrate that the causes of injustices in our world stem from materialism (not helping the unfortunate nation because of selfishness and only caring about one countries profit), ignorance and capitalism where richer nations exploited poorer nations. First of all, I will discuss the issue of institutions of cosmopolitan failing to provide justice. Cosmopolitan principles urge for equality and moral worth of all humans and...

Words: 4052 - Pages: 17

Free Essay

Global Peace and Justice - an Islamic Prospective

...Written by Anis Ahmed Quest for peace and justice is perhaps a core issue and a major shared aspiration in most of the world religions. However, a more realistic analysis will show that even for the Secularist thinkers peace has been a major concern, though, their basic assumptions and the motivating force behind it may be totally different. The post-capitalism mind set, with its deep commitment to economic development, individualism and ethical relativism, gradually developed a belief that war, can not help, in the long run, in achieving the social and economic targets of the industrialized world. Pacifism, in due course, as an individual commitment to non-violence was projected further and extended to other areas of concern. The strategic use of armed conflicts and wars, directly related with the capitalist urge to control sources of raw material and to create markets for its products, was reconsidered. A new strategic thinking put forward the thesis that peace and pacifism can also pave the way for free trade movement and help the capitalist powers in achieving their objectives, for which, conventionally, bloody wars were waged. In the post-world wars era, a functional approach of trade, travel, and democracy was considered as basis for internationalism. In an era of search for peace, efforts were made to avoid physical wars, considered enemy of free trade and travel. The age of cold war offered new opportunities for development of regional economies, mutual understanding...

Words: 3614 - Pages: 15

Free Essay

Social Justice

...SOCIAL JUSTICE Social justice generally refers to the idea of creating a society or institution that is based on the principles of equality and solidarity, that understands and values human rights, and that recognizes the dignity of every human being.[1][2][3] The term and modern concept of "social justice" was coined by the Jesuit Luigi Taparelli in 1840 based on the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas and given further exposure in 1848 by Antonio Rosmini-Serbati.Social justice as a secular concept, distinct from religious teachings, emerged mainly in the late twentieth century, influenced primarily by philosopher John Rawls. Some tenets of social justice have been adopted by those on the left of the political spectrum.Social justice is based on the concepts of human rights and equality and involves a greater degree of economic egalitarianism through progressive taxation, income redistribution, or even property redistribution.These policies aim to achieve what developmental economists refer to as more equality of opportunity than may currently exist in some societies, and to manufacture equality of outcome in cases where incidental inequalities appear in a procedurally just system.The Constitution of the International Labour Organization affirms that "universal and lasting peace can be established only if it is based upon social justice. Social justice is when something is unreasonable within society or around the world. There are many different unjust things that happen in our...

Words: 4652 - Pages: 19

Premium Essay

The Impact of Cso Legislation on Environmental Justice Movement in Ethiopia

...THE IMPACT OF THE CHARITIES AND SOCIETIES LEGISLATION ON THE PROMOTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE IN ETHIOPIA By Gebremedhin Birega gbdagaga@gmail.com March 2014 Addis Ababa Ethiopia 1 Abstract Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in general and environmental CSOs in particular, have been playing considerable constructive role in the nation building efforts in Ethiopia. However, all their contributions are not wholeheartedly accepted by the government. In 2009, the government introduced a new law overtly presented to register, administer and create an enabling environment for a more meaningful contribution of CSOs/NGOs. Nevertheless, it has been argued that the introduction of the new law further weakened the already young and inexperienced CSO/NGO sector in general and those engaged in environmental justice in particular. The main objective of this paper is therefore to assess the impact of the legislation on NGOs/CSOs engaged in environmental justice mainly in: limiting areas of intervention; affecting access to foreign funds and other forms of support to undertake mandated tasks; retaining competence including knowledge and skills; making government answerable to felt needs of the society; advancing meaningful networking among CSOs at national, regional and global level on environmental policy reform issues; downsized change in amount of budget and skilled staff; engaging in research undertaking; conducting quality monitoring and evaluation activities. Based on...

Words: 13676 - Pages: 55

Premium Essay

Odddd

...increased 115%. Here is related to the Ethical Decision Making concept of the management. When making an ethical decision, we basically follow four main rules. It including: Utilitarian Rule, Moral Right Rule, Practical Rule and Justice Rule. The decision make by Alan Joyce was simply against the Utilitarian Rule and Justice Rule. Utilitarian Rule is about did the decision made to produce greatest benefits for the biggest number of people. Which also mean which action results in the most good and least harm? When the layoff decision was made, it also decided to increase the salaries of the senior staff. It did not benefit the most of people in the company. It only focus on the senior staff ‘s benefits. The junior cannot share the profits that they made for the company last year. Even more they are facing the layoff problem. Nearly 2000 position will be cut down. So we can see that the made decision cannot benefit the most people. On the contrary it is harming most of the staff. Therefore we can see that they are not respecting the Utilitarian Rule at all. Justice Rule is about fair, equitable and impartial manner. When a decision was made, was it benefit or harm among people in a fair way is the most consideration of the Justice Rule. The news mentioned that the Qantas Airways had made 250 million Australian dollars profits last season. It also had 115% increased when comparing the previous year. This surely was the effort of the all company. No matter the...

Words: 616 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Avon in Global Market in 2009, Managing and Developing a Global Workforce

...The London School of Economics and Political Science THE ROLE OF CIVIL SOCIETY IN THE DEMOCRATISATION OF GLOBAL GOVERNANCE INSTITUTIONS: From ‘Soft Power’ to Collective Decision-Making? Saif Al-Islam Alqadhafi A thesis submitted to the Department of Philosophy of the London School of Economics for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, London, September 2007 Declaration I certify that the thesis I have presented for examination for the MPhil/PhD degree of the London School of Economics and Political Science is solely my own work other than where I have clearly indicated that it is the work of others (in which case the extent of any work carried out jointly by me and any other person is clearly identified in it). The copyright of this thesis rests with the author. Quotation from it is permitted, provided that full acknowledgement is made. This thesis may not be reproduced without the prior written consent of the author. I warrant that this authorisation does not, to the best of my belief, infringe the rights of any third party. 2 Abstract This dissertation analyses the problem of how to create more just and democratic global governing institutions, exploring the approach of a more formal system of collective decision-making by the three main actors in global society: governments, civil society and the business sector. The thesis seeks to make a contribution by presenting for discussion an addition to the system of international governance that is morally...

Words: 127847 - Pages: 512

Premium Essay

Business Ethics: Appreciation and Criticism for Ethical Theories

...Business Ethics: Appreciation & Criticism for Ethical Theories Danielle Bouchal Chesapeake College November 10, 2013 Abstract In this essay, one will be educated on the four ethical theories discussed in “Business Law: the Ethical, Global, and E-Commerce Environments”. According to the text, these theories include the rights theory, justice theory, utilitarianism, and profit maximization (2013). Not only does appreciation for these fundamental theories exist, but criticisms of each theory are also present. As they are theories, they can neither be considered accurate or inaccurate; therefore, as opinions among the population differ, agreements on these theories may or may not be made (Mallor et al, 2013). Rights Theory Rights Theory can be explained as a moral theory, one based on the fundamental idea that each individual has their rights, which creates the “justifying basis of obligations” (Beauchamp and Bowie, 2009). A person’s rights are closely tied to the morality that his or her society permits, ensuring social liberty and all other benefits an individual with rights is allowed. According to the two authors of “Ethical Theory and Business”, rights have in a sense evolved from what human beings are granted as “natural rights”. These belong to everyone simply because they...

Words: 1070 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Managing Justly Across Cultures

...College of Business, McNeese State University Kayla Gradney College of Business, McNeese State University Kochakan Rattanametangkul McNeese State University katekochakan@yahoo.com Received: September 14, 2010 Abstract The aim of this paper is to examine the relationships between organizational justice and the factors that characterize cultural differences. This paper begins by briefly summarizing the nature of organizational justice and by identifying how justice is perceived. Hofstede’s five factors of cultural dimension model, which he developed in his seminal 1980 research on national cultures, is utilized to present characteristics of cultural differences. Ten propositions are then offered which relate to organizational justice and differences in cultural perspectives. These propositions suggest specific management approaches that organizational leaders can adopt to be more effective in dealing with employees from respective cultures. This paper concludes by identifying the importance of understanding the relationship between organizational justice and national culture and suggests research opportunities of benefit to both scholars and practitioners. Keywords: Organizational justice, Cultural differences, Organizational fairness 1. Introduction In a business world that has become both increasingly complex and globally competitive (Cameron, 2003; Dowling, Festing & Engle, 2009), a...

Words: 7281 - Pages: 30

Premium Essay

Social Justice Matter

...A Matter Of Social Justice Social Justice Issues are happening everywhere in the world. These problems are a result of unfair wealth and resource distribution of people with diverse cultures. The term social justice issues were first used around 1840 by the Catholics, this was published by (Michael Novak). Consequently, nobody deserves to battle for education, poverty or access to health care “medical assistance”, it should be the same opportunities for everyone. However, this is not the case which is a reason we should fight for social justice and deal with one of many issues “social inequality”. “Social inequality creates a disadvantage against...

Words: 979 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

What Does Justice Mean To Me

...The quality of being just or the definition of justice is often described as righteousness, equitableness, or moral rightness. Justice is the “moral principle determining just conduct.” As described in the dictionary, justice is “the maintenance or administration of what is just by law, as by judicial or other proceedings.” What justice means to me is a situation with an overall fair outcome. Justice to me is when both perspectives are heard, acknowledged and dealt with in the best way, whether that is in a situation under the law or in day to day life. Justice is something people want when equality or fairness is not shown. justice has many elements that go along with it which has been attributed with many objectives in terms of the law....

Words: 416 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

The Electoral System in United Kingdom

...The electoral system in United Kingdom The electoral system in United Kingdom After the examination of Canadian national institution, it has been nominated that a few reforms are intensely needed in the Canadian institutions for the due management of the regional and the inter-governmental issues (Loiacono, 2010). The three suggested reforms are the reforms in the Supreme Courts, the reforms in the senate, the reforms in the House of Commons Supreme Court The need for the reform is elevated by considering the fact that is it logical to consider Supreme Court as a general court of appeal and are their any specialized needs of constitutional tribunals. The scope of judicial proceedings and judgments needs to be institutionalized in the context. Quebec is indeed the province that responds assertively to the importance of a pure judiciary. Quebec highlights that the existing Supreme Courts are totally appointed in the conformance of federal executives, and it does not differentiate the difference between civil law and the British common law. Additionally the decisions of the Supreme Court are confirmed to be biased against the Quebecers. The debate since 1950s still needs a re-modification in the form of a pure Canadian Supreme Court, where the law holds every Canadian equal in the court of law (Sherman, 1999, p. 68). Senate The second modification proposed is the modification in the senate. The Canadian federation has long been considered to seek the reform in the...

Words: 3665 - Pages: 15

Premium Essay

Diversity Awareness Case Study

...CRP 460/560X Social Justice & Planning Spring 2013 IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY Department of Community and Regional Planning DIVERSITY AWARENESS CASE STUDY – ASSIGNMENT 1 Beyond  simple  “text  book”  learning,  in  this  course  we  will  strive  to  connect  the  material  with  current  happenings  in  our  world  and  communities.    You  will  have  an  opportunity  to  do  this  in  this  two‐part  assignment.  In assignment 1 you will find and research a diversity awareness project.  This first part will  focus  on  learning  what  other  groups  and  organizations  have  done  to  promote  diversity  awareness.   Then,  in  assignment  2  you  will  develop  a  campaign  for  promoting  diversity  awareness  in  your  own  academic community – the College of Design.    BACKGROUND INFORMATION  Iowa State University has many projects and initiatives focused on social justice and diversity.  Each unit  and  department  creates  educational  programing  and  events  to  meet  the  needs  of  their  students,  faculty, and staff.  The College of Design Diversity Board, the University Diversity Committee, and other  departments want help developing a Diversity Awareness Campaign that:        Is inclusive to all Iowa State University students, faculty, and staff,  Encourages sensitivity towards and connections across differences,   Initiates dialogue and training opportunities related to diversity concerns,   Encourages the development of educational programming and activities that explore multiple ...

Words: 813 - Pages: 4