Political Science 1020E Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: John Stuart Mill, Justice Smith, Progressive Tax
12 Feb 2019
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1776: smith"s wealth of nations: e. g. labour, skills, work. Invisible hand: from self-interest to the public good. Benefits the worst off: expanding free markets reduces the prices of basic goods and raises the standard of living for the worst off, division of labour, etc. Promotes international peace: lead to friendlier relationships by seeing other states as possible trade partners, appealing to self-interest (can change) Provide public education and infrastructure needed to do business. Smith opposes trade barriers, but supports taxation to benefit the poor. Rejects prevailing views of the poor: two views: their problem vs. help them; compassion, both are condescending. The poor are the moral equals of everyone else. The poor are dignified, industrious, equally capable, entitled to a fair share of the goods. Part of the movement for social reform aimed at maximizing human happiness: supports women"s rights, birth control, etc. Some pleasures are higher than others: e. g. intellectual pleasures, able to make qualitative distinctions between pleasures.
