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  4. December 2003
  5. Which Is the Fairest One of All? A Positive Analysis of Justice Theories

Journal of Economic Literature

ISSN 0022-0515 (Print) | ISSN 2328-8175 (Online)

Which Is the Fairest One of All? A Positive Analysis of Justice Theories

  • James Konow
Journal of Economic Literature
vol. 41, no. 4, December 2003
(pp. 1188–1239)
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Abstract

This paper evaluates numerous positive and normative theories of justice in positive terms, i.e., in terms of how accurately they describe the impartial fairness preferences of real people. In addition, the paper proposes and defends an integrated justice theory based on preferences over four distinct and sometimes conflicting forces. These forces frame the analysis of the individual theories and inspire four corresponding theoretical classes: equality and need, utilitarianism and welfare economics, equity and desert, and context. This synthesis enables one to treat justice rigorously and to reconcile results that often appear contradictory or at odds with alternative theories.

Citation

Konow, James. 2003. "Which Is the Fairest One of All? A Positive Analysis of Justice Theories." Journal of Economic Literature, 41 (4): 1188–1239. DOI: 10.1257/002205103771800013

JEL Classification

  • D63 Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
  • K00 Law and Economics: General