Theory of Justice: Anarchy, State and Utopia - Essay Example

Download file to see previous pages Nozick however, is in favor of letting assets remain where they have fallen in the natural distribution scheme. He states that “since things come into being already held, there is no need to search for some pattern for unheld holdings to fit…”(Nozick, 1974:219). He also offers the argument that since individuals possess natural talents and skills which they may have used in acquiring a superior position in reference to the distribution of primary assets, the distribution is just if the rights of others have not been violated in the process of acquisition of those primary assets.
As detailed further below, it appears that Nozick may have a strong and valid argument that supports the retention of primary assets in their existing distributions. He has argued that Rawls has failed to effectively show that natural assets should not affect the distribution.
The underlying premise for Rawls’ contention that natural assets should be taken into account in the distribution of primary assets is that the “outcome is arbitrary from a moral perspective.” (Rawls 74). He states that in respect to the requirement of carers open to talents, there is also a need to append a “further condition of the principle of fair equality of opportunity.” (Rawls 73). He argues that assuming there is a distribution of natural assets, those who are at the same level in terms of talent and ability and are equally willing to use them should have the same opportunities for success, irrespective of their socio-economic class. ...Download file to see next pagesRead More