Distributive Justice and Disability

Utilitarianism against Egalitarianism

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Political
Cover of the book Distributive Justice and Disability by Mark S. Stein, Yale University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Mark S. Stein ISBN: 9780300128253
Publisher: Yale University Press Publication: October 1, 2008
Imprint: Yale University Press Language: English
Author: Mark S. Stein
ISBN: 9780300128253
Publisher: Yale University Press
Publication: October 1, 2008
Imprint: Yale University Press
Language: English
Theories of distributive justice are most severely tested in the area of disability. In this book, Mark Stein argues that utilitarianism performs better than egalitarian theories in this area: whereas egalitarian theories help the disabled either too little or too much, utilitarianism achieves the proper balance by placing resources where they will do the most good.
Stein offers what may be the broadest critique of egalitarian theory from a utilitarian perspective.  He addresses the work of egalitarian theorists John Rawls, Ronald Dworkin, Amartya Sen, Bruce Ackerman, Martha Nussbaum, Norman Daniels, Philippe Van Parijs, and others. Stein claims that egalitarians are often driven to borrow elements of utilitarianism in order to make their theories at all plausible. 
The book concludes with an acknowledgment that both utilitarians and egalitarians face problems in the distribution of life-saving medical resources. Stein advocates a version of utilitarianism that would distribute life-saving resources based on life expectancy, not quality of life. Egalitarian theories, he argues, ignore life expectancy and so are again found wanting. 
Distributive Justice and Disability is a powerful and engaging book that helps to reframe the debate between egalitarian and utilitarian thinkers.
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Theories of distributive justice are most severely tested in the area of disability. In this book, Mark Stein argues that utilitarianism performs better than egalitarian theories in this area: whereas egalitarian theories help the disabled either too little or too much, utilitarianism achieves the proper balance by placing resources where they will do the most good.
Stein offers what may be the broadest critique of egalitarian theory from a utilitarian perspective.  He addresses the work of egalitarian theorists John Rawls, Ronald Dworkin, Amartya Sen, Bruce Ackerman, Martha Nussbaum, Norman Daniels, Philippe Van Parijs, and others. Stein claims that egalitarians are often driven to borrow elements of utilitarianism in order to make their theories at all plausible. 
The book concludes with an acknowledgment that both utilitarians and egalitarians face problems in the distribution of life-saving medical resources. Stein advocates a version of utilitarianism that would distribute life-saving resources based on life expectancy, not quality of life. Egalitarian theories, he argues, ignore life expectancy and so are again found wanting. 
Distributive Justice and Disability is a powerful and engaging book that helps to reframe the debate between egalitarian and utilitarian thinkers.

More books from Yale University Press

Cover of the book The Atomic Bomb and the Origins of the Cold War by Mark S. Stein
Cover of the book The Not So Common Sense by Mark S. Stein
Cover of the book A Man and His Presidents by Mark S. Stein
Cover of the book Among the Gentiles: Greco-Roman Religion and Christianity by Mark S. Stein
Cover of the book Insincere Promises by Mark S. Stein
Cover of the book New Testament History and Literature by Mark S. Stein
Cover of the book Hitler's Philosophers by Mark S. Stein
Cover of the book Leonard Bernstein by Mark S. Stein
Cover of the book Money, Markets, and Sovereignty by Mark S. Stein
Cover of the book Clean Coal/Dirty Air by Mark S. Stein
Cover of the book Emperor by Mark S. Stein
Cover of the book Citizens' Wealth by Mark S. Stein
Cover of the book Wellington by Mark S. Stein
Cover of the book How to Read Literature by Mark S. Stein
Cover of the book History of Rock 'n' Roll in Ten Songs by Mark S. Stein
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy