MODULE 3 By: Chris Martinez

QUESTION Can it ever be unjust to accumulate wealth?

UTILITARIAN ANSWER “Utilitarian must examine various factual issues to determine which economic system and principles will best promote social well-being or happiness. Many utilitarian favor increased worker participation and a more equal distribution of income. ”(Shaw 89) Yes it could be unjust. From this point of view there is no right answer. It all depends on what side of the argument you are in. As mentioned above, if you were to be a very wealthy individual who worked hard to get to where they are then no it wouldn’t be unjust. On the other hand, if you were a unable to make ends meet but put in the same amount of effort then yeah it can be unjust to be wealthy. You will determine what is just or unjust depending on what benefits you.

LIBERITARIAN ANSWER “The libertarian theory identifies justice with liberty, which libertarians understand as living according to our own choices, free from the interference of others.”(Shaw 91) No it can never be unjust. From my understanding of this theory, one is accountable for oneself and no one else. It is also mentioned that it is a belief that everyone is entitled to their belongings so it would not be unjust because those who decide to accumulate wealth are owners of it as long as they earned fairly. Those who decide not to do it, it is solemnly their fault because, as this theory mentions, we live by our own decisions.

RAWLS’ THEORY OF JUSTICE “Rawls’s principles permit economic inequalities only if they so in fact benefit the least advantaged.”(Shaw 103) Yes it could be unjust. Through Rawls’s theory we seem to be playing a board game as a society where we choose rules that are unbiased and knowingly choose them upon what is the best alternative to be least-well- off as a society. So in respect to this question. Accumulating wealth can be just or unjust depending on whether or not it benefits the least advantages.

PERSONAL OPINION As an individual I am inclined to agree with the libertarian answer to this question. This is because I believe that we should have the right to do as we please and be accountable for our own actions without anyone interfering in my doings.