Single Idea 20531

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / A. Freedoms / 5. Freedom of lifestyle]

Full Idea

Critics say that the Difference Principle allows inequality of liberty ...and (more often) that liberty means we cannot impose any restriction on individual property holdings.

Gist of Idea

Either Difference allows unequal liberty, or Liberty makes implementing Difference impossible

Source

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

Book Reference

Wolff,Jonathan: 'An Introduction to Political Philosophy (Rev)' [OUP 2006], p.171


A Reaction

The second objection is associated with Robert Nozick. The point is that you can implement the Difference Principle without restricting liberty. The standard right-wing objection of social welfare.

Related Ideas

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

Idea 20528 Difference Principle: all inequalities should be in favour of the disadvantaged [Wolff,J]