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Full Idea
Egalitarianism was once opposed to aristocratic values, but now it is opposed by adherents of two non-aristocratic values: utility (increase benefit, even if unequally) and individual rights (which redistribution violates).
Gist of Idea
Equality was once opposed to aristocracy, but now it opposes public utility and individual rights
Source
Thomas Nagel (Equality [1977], §2)
Book Ref
Nagel,Thomas: 'Mortal Questions' [CUP 1981], p.109
| 3273 | Equality nowadays is seen as political, social, legal and economic [Nagel] |
| 3275 | Equality was once opposed to aristocracy, but now it opposes public utility and individual rights [Nagel] |
| 3274 | Equality can either be defended as good for society, or as good for individual rights [Nagel] |
| 3276 | A morality of rights is very minimal, leaving a lot of human life without restrictions or duties [Nagel] |
| 3277 | In judging disputes, should we use one standard, or those of each individual? [Nagel] |
| 3278 | An egalitarian system must give priority to those with the worst prospects in life [Nagel] |
| 3281 | The ideal of acceptability to each individual underlies the appeal to equality [Nagel] |
| 3282 | The general form of moral reasoning is putting yourself in other people's shoes [Nagel] |