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)

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)

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)

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

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.

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)

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)