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Prioritizing the “worse off” under attainability constraints: An indeterminacy problem for distributive fairness

Author

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  • Anders Herlitz

    (Department of Philosophy, Linguistics and Theory of Science, University of Gothenburg and Department of Philosophy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey)

  • David Horan

    (Geary Institute for Public Policy and the School of Politics and International Relations, University College Dublin)

Abstract

Numerous theories of distributive fairness promote the idea that we ought to give extra weight to benefits to the worse off and can thereby be seen as promoting gap closures. This paper underlines the relevance of making a distinction between attainable and ideal target levels for individuals in populations affected by distributive fairness and show that in cases of scarce resources, theories that promote aggregate gap closures and prioritization of the worse off can in view of this distinction be interpreted in three mutually inconsistent ways.

Suggested Citation

  • Anders Herlitz & David Horan, 2016. "Prioritizing the “worse off” under attainability constraints: An indeterminacy problem for distributive fairness," Working Papers 201608, Geary Institute, University College Dublin.
    • Handle: RePEc:ucd:wpaper:201608
    as

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    File URL: http://www.ucd.ie/geary/static/publications/workingpapers/gearywp201608.pdf
    File Function: First version, 2016
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    3. James E. Foster & Joel Greer & Erik Thorbecke, 2010. "The Foster-Greer-Thorbecke (FGT) Poverty Measures: Twenty-Five Years Later," Working Papers 2010-14, The George Washington University, Institute for International Economic Policy.
    4. Juan D Moreno-Ternero & John E Roemer, 2006. "Impartiality, Priority, and Solidarity in the Theory of Justice," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 74(5), pages 1419-1427, September.
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    7. Fleurbaey, Marc, 2015. "Equality Versus Priority: How Relevant Is The Distinction?," Economics and Philosophy, Cambridge University Press, vol. 31(2), pages 203-217, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. David Horan, 2020. "Enabling Integrated Policymaking with the Sustainable Development Goals: An Application to Ireland," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(18), pages 1-18, September.
    2. Anders Herlitz & David Horan, 2017. "A Model and Indicator of Aggregate Need Satisfaction for Capped Objectives and Weighting Schemes for Situations of Scarcity," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 133(2), pages 413-430, September.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    distributive fairness; equality; priority setting; capped objectives and social choice;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • D71 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Social Choice; Clubs; Committees; Associations
    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being

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