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ArgumentThe doctrine of sufficiency
What is outrageous about poverty is not that others have more, it is that some do not have enough.
Supports Sufficientarianism
Frankfurt · 'Equality as a Moral Ideal' · 1987
- When inequality outrages us, let us look at what actually outrages us: not that the rich have ten houses, but that the poor have no roof. It is the shortfall, not the gap, that speaks to our sense of justice.
- Now equality and sufficiency are two distinct things: one can equalize by leveling down, making everyone equally destitute, without fixing anything; and one can meet everyone's needs while leaving large gaps above.
- If it is the shortfall that counts, the right measure is not 'as much as others' but 'enough to lead a dignified life': above that threshold, the gap loses most of its moral weight.
Therefore So justice aims neither at perfect equality of shares nor at the sheer freedom of exchange, but at a floor: that no one falls below the threshold of the necessary, inequality above it mattering far less.
How far does this reasoning convince you?
Not at all
Entirely