Single Idea 20528

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / B. Equalities / 1. Grounds of equality]

Full Idea

Difference Principle: Social and economic inequalities are to be arranged so that they are to the greatest benefit of the least advantaged.

Gist of Idea

Difference Principle: all inequalities should be in favour of the disadvantaged

Source

Jonathan Wolff (An Introduction to Political Philosophy (Rev) [2006], 5 'Choosing')

Book Reference

Wolff,Jonathan: 'An Introduction to Political Philosophy (Rev)' [OUP 2006], p.158


A Reaction

Rivals would say that inequalities should go to those who have earned them.

Related Ideas

Idea 20527 Liberty Principle: everyone has an equal right to liberties, if compatible with others' liberties [Rawls]

Idea 20531 Either Difference allows unequal liberty, or Liberty makes implementing Difference impossible [Wolff,J]