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Equality-tempered prioritarianism

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  • Dale Dorsey

Abstract

In this paper, I present and explore an alternative to a standard prioritarian axiology. Equality-tempered prioritarianism holds that the value of welfare increases should be balanced against the value of equality. However, given that, under prioritarianism, the value of marginal welfare benefits decreases as the welfare of beneficiaries increases, equality-tempered prioritarianism holds that the intrinsic value of equality will be sufficient to alter a prioritarian verdict only in cases in which welfare benefits are granted to the very well-off. I argue that this view, suitably refined, solves a persistent problem for prioritarianism, and is superior to alternatives.

Suggested Citation

  • Dale Dorsey, 2014. "Equality-tempered prioritarianism," Politics, Philosophy & Economics, , vol. 13(1), pages 45-61, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:pophec:v:13:y:2014:i:1:p:45-61
    DOI: 10.1177/1470594X13483479
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bertil Tungodden, 1999. "The distribution problem and Rawlsian reasoning," Social Choice and Welfare, Springer;The Society for Social Choice and Welfare, vol. 16(4), pages 599-614.
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