Date of Award
5-8-2009
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Philosophy
First Advisor
Andrew Jason Cohen - Co-Chair
Second Advisor
Christie Hartley - Co-Chair
Third Advisor
Andrew I. Cohen
Abstract
I explore the problem of using primary goods as the index for determining the least-advantaged members in a society in Rawls’s theory of justice. I look at the problems presented to Rawls by Amartya Sen and his capabilities approach. I discuss the solutions to Sen’s problems given by Norman Daniels, who argues that primary goods are able to take capabilities into account. Finally, I supplement Daniels, arguing that the parameters Rawls uses to define his theory limit Sen’s objection and that primary goods are the appropriate metric of justice in Rawls’s theory.
Recommended Citation
Carmichael, Charles Benjamin, "The Proper Metric of Justice in Justice as Fairness" (2009). Philosophy Theses. Paper 54.
http://digitalarchive.gsu.edu/philosophy_theses/54