The problem of basic equality: a constructive critique

Kirby, N. (2024) The problem of basic equality: a constructive critique. Journal of Ethics and Social Philosophy, 26(3), pp. 495-522. (doi: 10.26556/jesp.v26i3.2370)

Abstract

This paper offers a targeted five-point critique of the current debate about the problem of basic equality. First, it argues that the debate should be refocussed away from any particular concept(ion) of basic equality to a more agnostic proposition about the possibility of establishing equality in any basic moral property. Second, it re-articulates the problem in terms of grounding relations rather than supervenience. Third, it argues that proponents of predominant approach to solving this problem have failed to properly distinguish between two different non-scalar properties defined in terms of scalar properties: ‘range properties’ and ‘bare properties’. Once disambiguated it is clear as to why such an approach must fail. However, this critique does direct our attention to a possible alternative strategy, that is, grounding our equality upon a ‘relative property’.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Kirby, Dr Nikolas
• Authors: Kirby, N.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Politics
• Journal Name: Journal of Ethics and Social Philosophy
• Publisher: University of Southern California
• ISSN: 1559-3061
• ISSN (Online): 1559-3061
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2024 The Author
• First Published: First published in Journal of Ethics and Social Philosophy 26(3):495-522
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons licence