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Single Idea 3236

[filed under theme 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 3. Virtues / h. Respect ]

Full Idea

A highly rational, efficient and unmitigated application of the idea of equality of opportunity, while abandoning the idea of equality of respect as vague and nostalgic, would lead to a quite inhuman society.

Gist of Idea

Equality of opportunity without equality of respect would create a very inhuman society

Source

Bernard Williams (The Idea of Equality [1962], §3)

Book Ref

Williams,Bernard: 'Problems of the Self: Papers 1956-1972' [CUP 1979], p.248


The 4 ideas from 'The Idea of Equality'

Equality seems to require that each person be acknowledged as having a significant point of view [Williams,B]
Equality implies that people are alike in potential as well as in needs [Williams,B]
It is a mark of extreme exploitation that the sufferers do not realise their plight [Williams,B]
Equality of opportunity without equality of respect would create a very inhuman society [Williams,B]