Justice, Episode 8

4 Responses to Justice, Episode 8

1. jaehwan says:

   November 28, 2009 at 5:34 pm

   Catching up slowly but surely, even though I’m listening and watching only half out the corner of my eye…

   The difference principle is interesting. We probably ought to read the original text because it’s something that could be useful to people arguing for social justice.

   I disagree with those who say that Jordan wouldn’t play if he were compensated less than $31M. I think there’s a chance he wouldn’t play if he were compensated $31k, but if it’s in the hundreds of thousands or above, I think he’d do it. Look at those MMA fighters. They don’t make much comparatively, they suffer some pretty bad injuries that require surgery, and they still do it. But as Rawls says, it’s all good as long as it benefits the less fortunate too. (I don’t know that it necessarily does…)

   I like this quote from Sandel (or was it Rawls?): “Utilitarianism makes the mistake of not realizing the differences between individuals.”

   By far, my favorite part of this episode was at the end when he says something about compensation not being tied to one’s intrinsic worth. I always laugh when people talk about how much money Judge Judy makes–100 times as much as a Supreme Court Justice! (though to be fair, I’m a fan of her show). As a supporter (and hopefully creator) of Asian American literature, it’s nice to hear someone realize that financial windfalls have nothing to do with intrinsic value. Hong Kingston and Tan are living high on the hog, while we’re still studying Frank Chin and trying to improve our lives and free everyone from racism. Have faith–not just in Asian American culture, but in my promise to finish this Justice course!!!

   Here are my notes (somewhat incomplete because I watched while cooking):

   Difference principle

   Talents are not equally distributed.

   Theories of Distributive Justice:
   Libertarianism
   Meritocratic

   Judge Judy: 100 times as much as Sandra Day O’Connor
   Incentives: Would Jordan play basketball if he was compensated less.

   Objectives to Difference Principle:
   What about incentives?
   What about effort?
   What about self-ownership?
2. jaehwan says:

   November 28, 2009 at 5:38 pm

   Also–I think it’s a good thing to remember that talent isn’t distributed evenly. It makes one a bit more humble.
3. American Girl says:

   December 7, 2009 at 7:19 pm

   It seems the seats are not as full now as it was the first week. Maybe the seats should go to those who show up?
4. jaehwan says:

   December 8, 2009 at 12:37 am

   Thanks for posting. I’m loving the series, but it’s getting LONELY!!!