Philosophy

Philosophy

Question:
How should we approach the issue of growing economic inequality in Canadian society
today? Is economic inequality an injustice?
If so, in what sense? What, if anything, should be done about it? What sorts of social
characteristics (e. g. race, gender, community membership, cultural membership) will
a just solution be sensitive to? Explain.
If not, why not?
Task:
In this course, we have looked at a number of various theories of social justice through
which we might view this contemporary issue. Your task in this essay is to draw on these
philosophical tools, both in constructing your response to these important questions, but
also in defending your response against important objections (many of which can, and
should, be gleaned from the readings in this course). If you respond in the negative, you
will have the task of developing, and responding to, a sophisticated obj ection(s) that can
be leveled by the theorists who have raised philosophical concerns about social justice
that intersect with the issue of economic inequality. If you respond in the affirmative, you
will also have the task of taking into account many of these same considerations, as well
as developing, and responding to, a sophisticated obj ection(s) to your view.
In general, you are welcome to focus on the readings you have found most interesting and
helpful in framing the debate. This assignment is fairly open-ended. You’ll be evaluated
on philosophical accuracy, as well as the scope, breadth, and creativity of your analysis
of, and critical engagement with, these contemporary social issues. Most importantly, I
want you to have fun with this assignment-use it an opportunity to reflect on how these
readings may have helped you to either modify or sharpen your own view on economic
inequality.