The principles of justice, care of Don Berkich:
We should treat similar cases in similar ways, possibly according to:
The Principle of Equality: Benefits and burdens should be equally distributed.
The Principle of Need: Those with greater need should receive more benefits so as attain an eventual equilibrium.
The Principle of Contribution: Everyone should benefit according to the extent to which they produce.
The Principle of Effort: Everyone should benefit according to the extent of their efforts.
Today we consider the Principle of Equality. Let the questions begin!
Why should benefits and burdens be equally distributed?
How does one measure a benefit?
What types of benefits factor in the equation?
Why do those benefits matter and not others?
How does one measure a burden?
What types of burden factor in the equation?
Why do those burdens matter and not others?
Assuming ‘equal’ is an inexact measure, how does one determine “good enough” distribution of benefits and burdens?
Benefits often come with a cost: fewer other benefits or more burdens. For instance, an employer could provide employees generous health insurance but at the cost of smaller wage increases or greater debt.
Burdens may yield benefits, as when present sacrifice reaps later rewards.
Benefits and burdens may be certain or hypothetical. Benefits and burdens may be certain but small or uncertain but large. Benefits and burdens may be immediate but brief or delayed but long-lasting.
Moral principles only go so far in helping us sort it all out.