1. Justice Retribution distribution “Rats and roaches live by competition under the laws of supply and demand; it is the privilege of human beings to live under the laws of justice and mercy.” ― Wendell BerryWendell Berry

2. The Liberal Tradition Libertarians Key value – Freedom as personal liberty to do as one pleases Want a minimal government with power limited to courts, police, and military Oppose any income tax, except, perhaps, a minimal flat tax for the minimal government Progressives Key value – Freedom as equality of opportunity and quality of living Want a welfare state that makes sure no one falls below a certain basic standard of living Favor a progressive tax system in which the wealthy pay a higher percentage of their income in taxes

3. Two Views of Freedom Libertarians Freedom = being left alone to do what I want (negative freedom ) Progressives Freedom = having the obstacles that keep me from living fully removed (Positive Freedom)

4. Nozick's argument for Libertarianism P1: We own ourselves P2: If we own ourselves, then we own the work we do P3: if we own the work we do, then we own our wages P4: If Uncle Sam taxes our wages, then he takes them from us by force P5: If he takes our wages by force then he claims to own us. P6: If anyone claims to own part of me, he is unjust toward me ____________________________ C: Income tax is unjust

5. Rawls' argument for Progressivism Rawls counters that the amount of money that someone earns is arbitrary. How much money we earn depends on a combination of our natural talents (which we are not responsible for) and the things society happens to value (which we are also not responsible for); not primarily how hard we work. It follows that we do not morally deserve our salary and, thus, we cannot complain if the state taxes us to fund essential public services and programs.

6. The Original Position The Veil of Ignorance

7. We Would not choose 1. Communism2. Utilitarianism

8. Two Principles of Justice 1. The Principle of Equal Liberty 2. The Difference Principle Wins if they conflict