The political philosophy of redistributing income:
Utilitarianism
Utilitarianism: the political philosophy according to which the government should chose policies to maximize the total utility of everyone in society.
Liberalism
Liberalism: the political philosophy according to which the government should chose policies deemed to be just, as evaluated by an impartial observer behind a veil of ignorance.
Libertarianism
Libertarianism: the political philosophy according to which the government should punish crimes and enforce voluntary agreements but not redistribute income
1. Which political philosophy would you support? Why?
2. Taxes are often used as a means of distributing income. What kind of tax system would you favor (regressive, flat, progressive)? Why?
3. Do you think government should have a role in redistributing income? If so, in what ways? If not, why not?