"Where the Action Is: On the Site of Distributive Justice" Discussion Questions

G. A. Cohen
  1. Cohen criticizes Rawls’s application of the difference principle. How is this principle formulated, and what is the general idea of the critique?
  2. Reconstruct and evaluate Cohen’s dilemma argument that begins with the claim that either the “talented people” endorse the difference principle or they don’t.
  3. How does Cohen reply to the “basic structure objection”?
  4. Does Cohen believe we should blame individuals for their personal choices if those choices result in an injustice in distribution? Why/why not? Do you agree?
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