Combining Texts

Ideas for 'The Theory of Communicative Action', 'Existentialism: an introduction' and 'The Idea of Justice'

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3 ideas

25. Social Practice / B. Equalities / 1. Grounds of equality
All modern theories of justice demand equality of something [Sen]
     Full Idea: Every normative theory of social justice that has received support and advocacy in recent times seems to demand equality of something.
     From: Amartya Sen (The Idea of Justice [2009], 14 Intro)
     A reaction: He mentions liberties, income, rights and utilities.
The need for equality among people arises from impartiality and objectivity [Sen]
     Full Idea: The demand for seeing people as equals (in some important perspective) relates to the normative demand for impartiality, and the related claims of objectivity.
     From: Amartya Sen (The Idea of Justice [2009], 14 'Equality')
     A reaction: Either impartiality already contains (analytically) the concept of equality, or the principle of sufficient reason must be invoked. True impartiality removes any reason for preferring one person to another. But what if preference is 'to my taste'?
25. Social Practice / B. Equalities / 2. Political equality
Political involvement is needed, to challenge existing practices [Habermas, by Kymlicka]
     Full Idea: Habermas thinks political deliberation is required precisely because in its absence people will tend to accept existing practices as given, and thereby perpetuate false needs.
     From: report of Jürgen Habermas (The Theory of Communicative Action [1981]) by Will Kymlicka - Community 'need'
     A reaction: If the dream is healthy and intelligent progress, it is not clear where that should come from. The problem with state involvement in the authority and power of the state. Locals are often prejudiced, so the intermediate level may be best.