A patterned theory of justice is a theory that considers the distribution of goods and resources to be just when it aligns with a specific pattern or goal. The pattern or goal is typically based on a particular conception of what constitutes a fair or equitable distribution.
Key Facts
- Definition: A patterned theory of justice is a theory that considers the distribution of goods and resources to be just when it aligns with a specific pattern or goal.
- Purposeful Distribution: In patterned theories, the distribution of goods is evaluated based on achieving a particular purpose or goal. For example, radical egalitarians argue that the most just distribution is one where goods are equally shared across society.
- Natural Dimensions: Patterned principles of justice often involve specifying natural dimensions that determine just shares in the distribution of goods. These dimensions can include factors like need, desert, talent, moral merit, IQ, and marginal product.
- Challenges to Entitlements: Patterned theories of justice can be seen as inconsistent with the idea of entitlements. Maintaining a specific pattern requires continuous interference in people’s lives and may require preventing individuals from freely transferring their acquired resources or constant redistribution of resources.
Purposeful Distribution
In patterned theories, the distribution of goods is evaluated based on achieving a particular purpose or goal. For example, radical egalitarians argue that the most just distribution is one where goods are equally shared across society. This pattern is seen as just because it promotes the goal of equality. Similarly, utilitarians argue that the most just distribution is one that maximizes the overall happiness or well-being of society.
Natural Dimensions
Patterned principles of justice often involve specifying natural dimensions that determine just shares in the distribution of goods. These dimensions are typically seen as morally relevant factors that should be taken into account when determining how goods should be distributed. Common natural dimensions include:
- Need
- Desert
- Talent
- Moral merit
- IQ
- Marginal product
Challenges to Entitlements
Patterned theories of justice can be seen as inconsistent with the idea of entitlements. Entitlements theories hold that individuals have a right to the goods and resources that they have acquired through just means. However, patterned theories may require that goods and resources be redistributed in order to achieve the desired pattern or goal. This can conflict with the rights of individuals to their own property.
Examples
Some examples of patterned theories of justice include:
- Radical egalitarianism: This theory argues that the most just distribution is one where goods are equally shared across society.
- Utilitarianism: This theory argues that the most just distribution is one that maximizes the overall happiness or well-being of society.
- Meritocracy: This theory argues that the most just distribution is one where goods and resources are distributed based on individual merit or effort.
Conclusion
Patterned theories of justice are a diverse group of theories that share the common feature of evaluating the distribution of goods and resources based on a specific pattern or goal. These theories can be seen as challenging the idea of entitlements, as they may require that goods and resources be redistributed in order to achieve the desired pattern or goal.
References
- Distributive Justice
- Nozick on Political Philosophy
- According to Nozick, What is a Patterned Conception of Justice?
FAQs
What is a patterned theory of justice?
A patterned theory of justice is a theory that considers the distribution of goods and resources to be just when it aligns with a specific pattern or goal.
What is the purpose of a patterned theory of justice?
The purpose of a patterned theory of justice is to achieve a particular goal or outcome, such as equality, happiness, or meritocracy.
What are some examples of patterned theories of justice?
Some examples of patterned theories of justice include radical egalitarianism, utilitarianism, and meritocracy.
How do patterned theories of justice differ from entitlement theories of justice?
Patterned theories of justice focus on achieving a specific pattern or goal, while entitlement theories focus on protecting individual rights to goods and resources.
What are some challenges to patterned theories of justice?
One challenge to patterned theories of justice is that they may require the redistribution of goods and resources, which can conflict with individual rights.
What are some advantages of patterned theories of justice?
One advantage of patterned theories of justice is that they can provide a clear and objective standard for evaluating the distribution of goods and resources.
What are some disadvantages of patterned theories of justice?
One disadvantage of patterned theories of justice is that they can be inflexible and may not be able to account for individual circumstances.
Are patterned theories of justice compatible with libertarianism?
Patterned theories of justice are generally not compatible with libertarianism, as libertarianism emphasizes individual rights and freedom from government interference.