A Two‐Tiered Reparations Theory: A Reply to Wenar

Abstract

In his recent article “Reparations for the Future” that appeared in this Journal, Leif Wenar argues for a theory of reparations that is forward-looking and not backward-looking. I will begin by presenting Wenar's account. I will argue contra Wenar that backward-looking considerations play an important role in his theory and that the existence of such considerations forms a necessary condition for his reparations theory. If I am correct, then it is not the case that forward-looking considerations are the only or most relevant factors in justifying reparations for his account. Instead, Wenar defends a two-tiered reparations theory.