Question 1

Explain the Wilt Chamberlain example. Do you agree with Nozick's conclusion? Explain.

Accepted Answer

The Wilt Chamberlain example is a thought experiment presented by philosopher Robert Nozick in his book "Anarchy, State, and Utopia." In this example, Nozick asks us to imagine a society where everyone starts off with an equal distribution of wealth. However, Wilt Chamberlain, a famous basketball player, signs a contract with a sports team that allows him to receive a small amount of money from each ticket sold to see him play. As a result, Chamberlain becomes very wealthy while everyone else remains relatively equal.

Nozick uses this example to illustrate his theory of justice in holdings, which argues that as long as acquisitions and transfers are voluntary and just, resulting inequalities are also just. He concludes that any attempt to redistribute wealth to achieve a more equal distribution would violate individual rights and freedom.

I personally do not fully agree with Nozick's conclusion. While I believe in the importance of individual rights and freedom, I also recognize the need for some level of redistribution to address systemic inequalities and ensure a more just society. Nozick's theory does not adequately address the historical and structural factors that contribute to unequal distributions of wealth and opportunity. In my opinion, a more balanced approach that considers both individual rights and social responsibility is necessary to achieve a fair and just society.

Question 2

Rawls claims that we can enter the original position by reasoning according to the restrictions identified by the veil of ignorance.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False  True

Question 3

Sibley believes that a collection of non-aesthetic terms ultimately defines an aesthetic term.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False  False

Question 4

What is the "veil of ignorance," and how does it function in Rawls's argument for his two principles of justice?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the "veil of ignorance," and...

Question 5

To focus on the family unit as the basis for thinking about society allows for taking trust, cooperation, and caring as central moral values.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 6

Why does Rawls call his view "justice as fairness"? Is this an apt term? Explain.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why does Rawls call his view "justice...

Question 7

Terms such as graceful, delicate, elegant, or garish function primarily as

Accepted Answer

A)   Non-aesthetic terms.
B)   Metaphors
C)   Aesthetic terms.
D)   Layman terms.

Question 8

The relation between "economic men" is the basis for thinking about society in terms of contracts based on self-interest.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 9

According to Held, rational contracts are the foundation for the fundamental ties that bind human beings together.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 10

What are the three parts of a theory of justice in holdings?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are the three parts of a...

Question 11

The veil of ignorance rules out the use of morally arbitrary considerations in the choice of principles of justice in the original position.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 12

The first and fundamental law of nature is

Accepted Answer

A)   Seek peace and follow it.
B)   Do not break contracts.
C)   Treat others as you would like to be treated.
D)   Give up some liberty when others are willing to do so as well and it is necessary for peace.

Question 13

Fulfilling one's obligations to another, according to Held,

Accepted Answer

A)   Consist of leaving the other person alone.
B)   Involve equating respect with non-interference.
C)   May involve concerns other than rights.
D)   Means viewing equality as equivalent to having equal legal rights.

Question 14

Rawls argues that social and economic inequalities are incompatible with a truly just society.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 15

Sibley makes it clear that only a minority possess the capacity for the taste and sensitivity required in order to understand aesthetic concepts. Do you agree? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Sibley makes it clear that only a...

Question 16

Imagine that you and a friend are standing in front of a painting or sculpture in a museum. One of you happens to know a great deal about the artist, historical period, and elements used in its construction. The other is thoroughly immersed in a personal interpretation that leads to a moment of joy and deep understanding. Which of you has best grasped an aesthetic appreciation of the work?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Imagine that you and a friend are...

Question 17

According to Hobbes, humans are inclined to seek peace because of

Accepted Answer

A)   A fear of death.
B)   A moral concern for others.
C)   A fear of God.
D)   None of the above.

Question 18

According to Sibley, people of normal intelligence, eyesight, and hearing

Accepted Answer

A)   Automatically have concurrent taste and sensibility toward art.
B)   May still lack taste and sensibility toward art.
C)   Are not capable of having taste and sensibility toward art.
D)   Do not appreciate art.

Question 19

Nozick uses the Wilt Chamberlain example to illustrate

Accepted Answer

A)   The importance of a central distribution mechanism.
B)   The possibility that many individuals might voluntarily transfer their holdings to a single individual.
C)   The possibility that one is not entitled to one's salary.
D)   The importance of the principle of rectification of injustice.

Question 20

Explain the allegory of the cave and the lessons that it is meant to impart.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the allegory of the cave and...

Exam 11: Social Justice

Explain the Wilt Chamberlain example. Do you agree with Nozick's conclusion? Explain.

Rawls claims that we can enter the original position by reasoning according to the restrictions identified by the veil of ignorance.

Sibley believes that a collection of non-aesthetic terms ultimately defines an aesthetic term.

What is the "veil of ignorance," and how does it function in Rawls's argument for his two principles of justice?

To focus on the family unit as the basis for thinking about society allows for taking trust, cooperation, and caring as central moral values.

Why does Rawls call his view "justice as fairness"? Is this an apt term? Explain.

Terms such as graceful, delicate, elegant, or garish function primarily as

The relation between "economic men" is the basis for thinking about society in terms of contracts based on self-interest.

According to Held, rational contracts are the foundation for the fundamental ties that bind human beings together.

What are the three parts of a theory of justice in holdings?

The veil of ignorance rules out the use of morally arbitrary considerations in the choice of principles of justice in the original position.

The first and fundamental law of nature is

Fulfilling one's obligations to another, according to Held,

Rawls argues that social and economic inequalities are incompatible with a truly just society.

Sibley makes it clear that only a minority possess the capacity for the taste and sensitivity required in order to understand aesthetic concepts. Do you agree? Why or why not?

According to Hobbes, humans are inclined to seek peace because of

According to Sibley, people of normal intelligence, eyesight, and hearing

Nozick uses the Wilt Chamberlain example to illustrate

Explain the allegory of the cave and the lessons that it is meant to impart.