Inequality Under Capitalism: What Are Our Duties to Eliminate Inequality?
Considering the difference between equal treatment and treatment as an equal, is all inequality morally problematic? In other words, do we have an obligation to try to eliminate inequality? Why or why not? Moreover, can we achieve greater equity under capitalism?
In answering this question, you must (a) incorporate the writings of Nozick and Friedman (in addition to your external sources), (b) explain at least one possible justification for preserving economic inequalities (beyond the belief that people deserve the benefits of their talents/natural capabilities), (c) discuss how these socioeconomic disparities can lead to other problematic forms of inequality, and (d) explain what obligations we do have in a capitalist system to respond to inequality.
PLEASE NOTE: with this sort of normative question, where there is no clear right or wrong answer, you must do more than merely state your opinion. This would fundamentally fail to satisfy the expectations of this assignment. Your task is to take a stand on the issue and to defend this position by writing an educated and informed response, incorporating specific ideas from the readings that support your thesis.