Homework 3 Powerpoints

GOALS Develop answers to the following questions which we will discuss in this online class. They are designed to amplify the main points covered in the readings and cover the material necessary to the class assignments. I will draw upon you to share these responses in the course of our discussion.

Readings Justice chapters 6 Nursing Ethics chapter 6 & 7

In this chapter Sandal looks at social contract theory and the notion of distributive justice. The classic picture is of some historical compact enacted to ensure the utility of the state. Rawls offers a modern idealized version of this argument—of just contracts— that replaces the utilitarian basis of social conventions with agreements grounded in Kantian principles.

Justice-6 First, a short review of the Kantian and the Utilitarian theories. What, for each, is the measure of the good? What for each, is the means to achieving this good?

Justice-6 One theory looks to the empirical, the other the a priori—explain? Give one strength of utilitarianism, and one weakness. Give one strength of Kantian ethics, and one weakness.

Justice-6 Give an example where the two theories come into conflict.

Justice What is goal of social contract theories? What is the goal of John Rawls’ Theory of Justice?

Justice Sandel spends much of his analyzing the notion of a contract. His aim is to show that there is more to justice than an agreement. We can always say of a contract, “is it just?” To explore this he looks at two components of a contract, benefit and consent and gives examples to show there can be injustice with consent, and injustice without a contract. Give examples, not from the book, to show

Justice When an agreement may not be just

Justice (ii) When someone has a moral claim on you even when there is no contract

Justice So what makes a just contract? Sandel’s conclusion is that contracts derive their moral force from the principles of (i) (ii)

Justice Most actual contracts fall short of these ideals. Why? Give an example a example to illustrate

Justice To get a moral contract, essentially, we have to assume a Kantian notion of persons—as equal moral ends. The problem is that this does not exist in the real world. In practice we are all distinct with unique physical powers and social privileges. How can we get to the identity as equals necessary for the kind of just contracts Rawls wants to establish in society? His answer the original position.

Justice In your own words describe this hypothetical situation.

Justice Rawls claims that from this situation two principles would emerge. He also claims we would reject utilitarianism. Why would we reject utilitarianism?

Justice Describe the two principles that would emerge (i) (ii)

Justice How does Rawls use this argument to attack Libertarian theories of justice

Justice Rawls’ also rejects meritocratic theories of justice. On what grounds?

Justice Milton Friedman famously claimed that life was unfair, and that we should learn to live with that fact. In your own words, what is Rawls’s response?

Justice Does the principle of difference justify differentials in the American health care system? Give an example . . . or two.

Nursing Ethics No need to write anything here, just read the sections. Based upon the preamble to chapters 6 & 7 and the commentaries we will discuss two cases from each. Case 6.3

Nursing Ethics Case 6.5

Nursing Ethics Case 7.1

Nursing Ethics Case 7.2

Questions