Primary goods, capabilities,...or well-being?

Description

"Theories of distributive justice and of the aggregate social good typically require a method of assessing each individual's situation. Among the common measures are primary goods, capabilities, and well-being. This article advances the argument that approaches that focus on the means of fulfillment, where the means are multi-dimensional, are subject to an objection if advanced as ideal normative theories. In general, it is possible to raise every individual's well-being by deviating from the dictates of means-based theories. This result is problematic not only on welfarist grounds but also if freedom, autonomy, or consent is regarded to be important. It is suggested that means-based theories nevertheless have appeal, but for instrumental, not intrinsic reasons"--John M. Olin Center for Law, Economics, and Business web site.

Subjects

Series Statement

• Discussion paper -- no. 602
• Discussion paper (John M. Olin Center for Law, Economics, and Business : Online) -- no. 602.

Links

• External source