Cookies help us deliver our services. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more.
Subject(s): Philosophy, Ethics / Practical Philosophy, Social Philosophy, Socio-Economic Research
Published by: Filozofický ústav SAV
Keywords: Egalitarianism; Frankfurt; prioritarianism; sufficiency; sufficientarianism;
Summary/Abstract: In his article, “Equality as a Moral Ideal”, Harry Frankfurt argues against economic egalitarianism and presents what he calls the “doctrine of sufficiency.” According to the doctrine of sufficiency, what is morally important is not relative economic equality, but rather, whether somebody has enough, where “having enough” is a non-comparative standard of reasonable contentment that may differ from person to person given his/her aims and circ*mstances. The purpose of this paper is to show that Frankfurt’s original arguments in support for his doctrine of sufficiency have critical problems that Frankfurt himself does not properly recognize. In the end, I will argue that in order to solve these problems the doctrine of sufficiency cannot help but to incorporate certain prioritarian commitments – commitments which many would view as implying economic egalitarianism. This is embarrassing for a doctrine whose raison d’être was mainly to defeat economic egalitarianism.
- Details
- Contents
Journal: Organon F
- Issue Year: 23/2016
- Issue No: 1
- Page Range: 50-71
- Page Count: 22
- Language: English
