CRM/LAW C10 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Robert Nozick, Distributive Justice, School Prayer
17 Jan 2018
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Document Summary
Richest american possess of the country"s wealth. People argue about it, some say it"s nothing but choices, but some prefer taxing rich to help poor. Utilitarian logic of distributing bill gates" money to people, maximizes happiness for most of the people despite his unhappiness. First objection: high tax -> less incentive to work and invest ->decline productivity -> economic pie shrink -> wealth redistribution decrease -> overall happiness decrease. Second objection: taxing the rich to help the poor is unjust b/c it violates a fundamental right (violates the right of the rich b/c they don"t have consent to distribute their money) Those who object to redistribution on these grounds are often called libertarians . Libertarians favor unfettered markets and oppose government regulation, not in the name of economic efficiency, but in the name of human freedom. One that enforces contracts, protects private property from theft, and keeps the peace is compatible with the libertarian theory of rights.
