Robert Nozick_ Entitlement Theory

8/13/2019 Robert Nozick_ Entitlement Theory

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Robert Nozicks entitlementtheory

1/14/2014 1Bonifacio G. Train, Jr.


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Entitlement theory

States that each person should be free topursue his/her own interests within minimalgovernmental intervention

the minimal state is most extensive state thatcan be justified . . . Any state more extensiveviolates peoples rights



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Entitlement theory

FREE MARKET: pursuitof self-interest withinthe free market

framework

1/14/2014 Bonifacio G. Train, Jr. 4


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Entitlement theory

FREE MARKET: pursuit of self-interest withinthe free market framework



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3 principles

1. The principle of just original acquisition2. The principle of just transfer

3. The principle of rectification



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3 principles

Ideal scenario: the original acquisition of aproperty by X is just and the transfer to Y isalso in accordance with the Principle of JustTransfer.

whatever rises from a just situation by juststeps is itself just



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3 principles

If one principle is violated, say when someonesteals or cheats, this necessitates the Principleof Rectification to correct unjustappropriations by fraud and force.



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Entitlement theory

Patterned principle a principle thatdesignates a particular feature or features of adesired distribution and the distribution ismade in accordance with those features.

However, may infringe upon the right toliberty of persons.

How?



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Entitlement theory

There would be no obligation on the part ofthe rich to assist the poor. (assuming that therich obtained their wealth through justoriginal acquisition or just transfers, theycannot be forced to part with or share theirassets with the less advantaged)

If they do, it would violate the two principlesenunciated



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Entitlement theory

Taxation of the rich toredistribute the wealthin society should not be

allowed: even if thepoor have to starve andbeg in the streets,taxation should not be

required of the rich toassist the poor withbasic needs.



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Entitlement theory

In contrast with Rawlsto give the greatestbenefits to the least

advantaged in society Nozick takes into

account historicalevents affecting anexisting distribution



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Ethics and the Free Market

It is not from the benevolence of the butcher,the brewer, or the baker that we expect ourdinner, but their regard to their own interest.We address ourselves, not to their humanitybut to their self- love.



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Ethical Egoism

A theory that an action is right to the extentthat it is based on self-interest.



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Ethical Egoism

Each individuals pursuit of their self -interestwill achieve, via the invisible hand, overallbenefits for the economy.

by pursuing his own interest, he frequentlypromotes that of society more effectually thanwhen he really intends to promote it. AdamSmith



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Ethical Egoism

Trading one good for another or for itsmoneys worth is based on the notion ofcomparative advantage



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Ethical Egoism

Pareto Efficiency the situation where tradingor voluntary exchange allows both parties tobe better off or one party to be better off andthe other not worse off.

Hence, trading should in theory, result ingreater benefit for the economy



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Ethical Egoism

Critique1. Free market cannot be relied solely upon to

provide such public goods and that thegovernment would have to intervene toproduce public goods (primarily for freeriders) essential for the economy as a whole

2. Marxist critique: it is based on naked self-interest and bourgeois exploitation of theworking class



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The free market theory and themodern corporation

Milton Friedman To make profit for the

shareholders

Corporate executive isprohibited from spendingthe principals money on

social purposes open and free competition

Edward Freeman Companies to take

consideration the interest of

the stakeholders Businesses and executives

should create value for thestakeholders instead ofresorting to tradeoffsamong different stakeholderinterests



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The free market theory and themodern corporation

Milton Friedman open and free competition,

business executives may not

have the requisiteknowledge to determinethe societal interests responsibility and under thepurview of elected politicalrepresentatives

Edward Freeman Capitalism as a system of

social cooperation and

collaboration, rather thanprimarily a system ofcompetition.



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Virtue Ethics: Aristotle and RobertSolomon

Focuses on the human character, actions, orpractices rather than pure knowledge: not onwhat goodness is, but how to be good men Aristotle

Actions speak louder than words



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Virtue a purposive disposition, lying in amean that is relative to us and determined bya rational principle Aristotle

e.g.Rashness Courage Cowardice(excess of confidence) (deficiency of confidence)Licentiousness Temperance Insensibility(excess of pleasure) (deficiency of pleasure)



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Virtue a purposive disposition , lying in amean that is relative to us and determined bya rational principle Aristotle

Purposive suggests some mental deliberationor connotes the existence of an objectiveaimed at by the moral actor



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The doctrine of voluntary choice the moralactor caused the act and is aware of the specificcircumstances of the actions. This implies a

choice, that is, something that is within a personspower to perform upon deliberation

(as opposed to involuntary acts characterized by

ignorance of the circumstances and compulsionor when the agent contributes nothing to the act)



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Theory of Practice (Robert Solomon) application of day-to-day operational businessactivities



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Theory of Practice (Robert Solomon) focuseson the individual in the corporation, and ofthe corporation in society, resulting to respectwithin the community, and not merely fromnarrow objective of achieving the bottom-line



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Six parameters that define virtues in businessethics:

a. Community the corporation is itself acitizen and a member of a larger community

b. Excellence emphasis on merit as opposedto mediocrity

c. Membership focus on the individual withinthe organization and corporate role morality



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Six parameters that define virtues in businessethics:

d. Integrity wholeness, a sense of socialcontext as well as moral courage

e. Judgment making best decisionf. Holism concept of social responsibility



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Ethics of care

Ethical theory based on virtues such asempathy, compassion, love and friendship andthe needs and desires of other people.

Self is defined by the relationship betweenitself and other selves.



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Ethics of care

Emphasis on the principles of impartiality anduniversality: human emotions in ethicaldecisions (in contrast with Kants categoricalimperatives: abstract reasoning)


Robert Nozick_ Entitlement Theory

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