Theories of Fair Distribution

Abstract

AbstractThis chapter develops the main contemporary theories concerned with the fair distribution of both divisible and indivisible goods. It begins by discussing vague generalizations about fairness, which guide the formulation and assessment of more specific theories. Next, it characterizes problems of fair division, a simple example of which is presented. It also discusses how cooperative game theory bears on questions of fair distribution. It presents John Broome’s influential account of how to allocate divisible goods fairly among the claimants as well as Broome’s view of the fair distribution of indivisible goods. The chapter turns to problems for Broome’s theory, and it considers what fairness requires when claims to goods differ both quantitatively and in strength, and it defends a fragment of a theory of fairness. The chapter ends with a discussion of two other philosophical theories of fairness, which are due to Larry Temkin and Matthew Adler.