Fairness

Fairness

The issue of fairness is one of the traditional diving lines between left and right. According to socialist thinkers, the goal of a fair and just society is one in which an equal distribution of wealth occurs. This could be achieved via progressive taxation and a comprehensive welfare state. To those on the right, an unequal distribution of wealth is the outcome of natural justice. It is therefore fair to enable individuals to retain as much of their own wealth as possible via low taxation.

The philosophical debate between left and right on the issue is most commonly associated with John Rawls and Robert Nozick. The former is championed by those on the left of the political spectrum whilst the latter offers inspiration for those inclined to the right. There are convincing arguments on both sides of the debate as to which pathway offers a fair outcome. Inevitably, there are those who rightly remind us that no ‘right’ answer exists. Arguably the most insightful thought experiment to consider here is provided by the economist Amartya Sen and the tale of the flute. In his famous parable, Sen points out a plurality of outcomes exist that could be considered just. A utilitarian thinker would claim that our goal should be the greater good whilst a supporter of an egalitarian outcome would seek to reduce wealth gaps. To a libertarian such as Nozick, the objective should be protection of property rights. The given answer from each perspective is itself shaped by a set of assumptions carried by that particular perspective. Our answer to the tale of the flute is largely determined by the embedded assumptions we carry around with us in our heads.

From a rather different angle, the academic discipline of behavioural economics offers further clarity in this issue. There is a common dichotomy made between system 1 and system 2 modes of thought. The former is a gut feeling which occurs intuitively with little cognitive effort. System 2 thinking is a more deliberative process which requires more effort. Our frame of reference may itself be shaped considerably by our instinctive feel for what is considered fair. We might then marshal our thoughts in order to rationalise our position in order to appear logical and reasonable (if only to ourselves). Ultimately, our answer to the tale of the flute may well rest on our system of thinking.