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8 - Equality

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 August 2013

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Summary

It is difficult to argue for the intrinsic social value of equality without begging the question. Equality can be defended up to a point in terms of other values like utility and liberty. But some of the most difficult questions are posed when it conflicts with these.

Contemporary political debate recognizes four types of equality: political, legal, social, and economic. The first three cannot be defined in formal terms. Political equality is not guaranteed by granting each adult one vote and the right to hold public office. Legal equality is not guaranteed by granting everyone the right to a jury trial, the right to bring suit for injuries, and the right to counsel. Social equality is not produced by the abolition of titles and official barriers to class mobility. Great substantive inequalities in political power, legal protection, social esteem and self-respect are compatible with these formal conditions. It is a commonplace that real equality of every kind is sensitive to economic factors. While formal institutions may guarantee a minimum social status to everyone, big differences in wealth and income will produce big distinctions above that – distinctions that may be inherited as well.

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Mortal Questions , pp. 106 - 127
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2012

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  • Equality
  • Thomas Nagel
  • Book: Mortal Questions
  • Online publication: 05 August 2013
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781107341050.010
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  • Equality
  • Thomas Nagel
  • Book: Mortal Questions
  • Online publication: 05 August 2013
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781107341050.010
Available formats
×

Save book to Google Drive

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

  • Equality
  • Thomas Nagel
  • Book: Mortal Questions
  • Online publication: 05 August 2013
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781107341050.010
Available formats
×