Ideas from 'Equality' by Thomas Nagel [1977], by Theme Structure

[found in 'Mortal Questions' by Nagel,Thomas [CUP 1981,0-521-29460-6]].

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23. Ethics / D. Deontological Ethics / 3. Universalisability

3282	The general form of moral reasoning is putting yourself in other people's shoes

			Full Idea: I believe the general form of moral reasoning is to put yourself in other people's shoes.
			From: Thomas Nagel (Equality [1977], §9)

24. Political Theory / A. Basis of a State / 4. Original Position / c. Difference principle

3278	An egalitarian system must give priority to those with the worst prospects in life

			Full Idea: What makes a system egalitarian is the priority it gives to the claims of those whose overall life prospects put them at the bottom.
			From: Thomas Nagel (Equality [1977], §6)

25. Social Practice / B. Equalities / 1. Grounds of equality

3275	Equality was once opposed to aristocracy, but now it opposes public utility and individual rights

			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).
			From: Thomas Nagel (Equality [1977], §2)

3281	The ideal of acceptability to each individual underlies the appeal to equality

			Full Idea: The ideal of acceptability to each individual underlies the appeal to equality.
			From: Thomas Nagel (Equality [1977], §8)

3277	In judging disputes, should we use one standard, or those of each individual?

			Full Idea: In assessing equality of claims, it must be decided whether to use a single, objective standard, or whether interests should be ranked by the person's own estimation. Also should they balance momentary or long-term needs?
			From: Thomas Nagel (Equality [1977], §6)

25. Social Practice / B. Equalities / 2. Political equality

3274	Equality can either be defended as good for society, or as good for individual rights

			Full Idea: The communitarian defence of equality says it is good for society as a whole, whereas the individualistic defence defends equality as a correct distributive principle.
			From: Thomas Nagel (Equality [1977], §2)

3273	Equality nowadays is seen as political, social, legal and economic

			Full Idea: Contemporary political debate recognises four types of equality: political, social, legal and economic.
			From: Thomas Nagel (Equality [1977], §1)
			A reaction: Meaning equality of 1) power and influence, 2) status and respect, 3) rights and justice, 4) wealth.

25. Social Practice / C. Rights / 1. Basis of Rights

3276	A morality of rights is very minimal, leaving a lot of human life without restrictions or duties

			Full Idea: The morality of rights tends to be a limited, even minimal, morality. It leaves a great deal of human life ungoverned by moral restrictions or requirements.
			From: Thomas Nagel (Equality [1977], §5)