Intrinsical vs Instrumental Egalitarianism
48 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the main issue with the 'levelling-down' objection to intrinsic egalitarianism?

  • It assumes that everyone is equally capable of benefiting from equality.
  • It overlooks the moral imperative of achieving equality at all costs.
  • It ignores the possibility of improving the situation of the less fortunate.
  • It suggests that achieving equality requires sacrificing the well-being of the better-off. (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a potential consequence of redistributing income and wealth from the rich to the poor, according to the text?

  • Improved economic growth.
  • Elimination of all forms of inequality. (correct)
  • Enhancement of the well-being of the less fortunate.
  • Increased social unrest and volatility.

Why does the text suggest that intrinsic egalitarianism needs to be pluralistic to avoid the 'levelling-down' objection?

  • Because only a pluralistic approach can ensure that equality is achieved in all aspects of life.
  • Because a pluralistic approach guarantees that no one will be disadvantaged in pursuit of equality.
  • Because a pluralistic approach is more efficient in achieving equality than a strict approach.
  • Because a pluralistic approach allows for the consideration of other values besides just equality. (correct)

What is the primary difference between intrinsic egalitarianism and instrumental egalitarianism?

<p>Intrinsic egalitarianism prioritizes achieving equality for its own sake, while instrumental egalitarianism values equality only for its positive consequences. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the example of blind and sighted individuals relate to the 'levelling-down' objection?

<p>It illustrates the moral perversity of deliberately making the better-off worse off to achieve equality. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a likely consequence of adopting an instrumental approach to egalitarianism?

<p>A greater emphasis on social welfare and well-being. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the text suggest that instrumental egalitarianism justifies the redistribution of wealth?

<p>By emphasizing the positive consequences of reducing poverty and promoting economic growth. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main argument against adopting a strictly intrinsic egalitarian approach?

<p>It can lead to morally perverse actions, such as deliberately disadvantaging the better-off. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What concept regarding human beings' nature was widely accepted until the eighteenth century?

<p>Humans are unequal by nature. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following philosophes is associated with the idea that individuals possess equal rights in their natural condition?

<p>Hobbes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which historical tradition emphasized the natural equality of all rational beings?

<p>Stoicism (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Rousseau argue is the cause of social inequality?

<p>Human urge for perfection (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best captures the modern conception of moral equality?

<p>Everyone deserves equal dignity and respect. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher is known for the argument that all human beings have the same natural right to ownership and freedom?

<p>Locke (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The moral equality principle in Christianity states that all humans are equal before whom?

<p>God (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the classical formula for justice emphasize regarding individuals?

<p>Offering each individual his or her due. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What principle is described as a procedural principle of construction of a theory related to equal distribution?

<p>Presumption of equality (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which Enlightenment ideal became a basis for the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen during the French Revolution?

<p>Equality, freedom, and fraternity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the burden of proof regarding unequal distribution according to the presumption of equality?

<p>It lies on the side of those who favor unequal distribution (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one argument in favor of the idea that the present generation has an egalitarian obligation towards future generations?

<p>Unequal living conditions can arise from morally arbitrary factors. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Kant's categorical imperative emphasize in relation to human rights?

<p>The equality postulate of universal human worth (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do 'starting-gate principles' stipulate in terms of distributive justice?

<p>Initial distributions are crucial after which individuals can manage freely. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a reason for justified unequal treatment in the economic sphere?

<p>Uniformity in social status (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'intrinsic egalitarianism'?

<p>Equality is inherently good, regardless of consequences. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What issue does the complex nature of intergenerational justice primarily revolve around?

<p>The obligations of the present generation towards future generations. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the fundamental idea widely accepted regarding human dignity?

<p>Moral equality as the egalitarian plateau (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is typically required by strict equality principles over time?

<p>Equal income should be maintained in each specified time-frame. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which principle emphasizes the equal treatment normatively required for persons considered to have equal dignity?

<p>Moral equality (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is typically NOT considered eligible for justified unequal treatment?

<p>Differences in family background (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might egalitarians propose alternative accounts to starting-gate principles?

<p>To avoid potential large inequalities in outcomes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are principles specifying initial distributions necessary for in distributive justice?

<p>A foundation for ethical wealth allocation over time. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What potential outcome might arise from allowing variations in savings under strict equality principles?

<p>Significant disparities in wealth among individuals. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What duality do contemporary deep learning systems embody in relation to enchantment and disenchantment?

<p>They operate under both mastered control and mysterious forces. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the automation-obsolescence discourse perceive AI's progression?

<p>AI is seen as accelerating independently of human input. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the enchanted-determinism discourse do regarding causal explanations?

<p>It supports claims of accuracy over causal explanations. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What ideology is supported by both automation-obsolescence and enchanted-determinism discourses?

<p>The fantasy of AI as disembodied brains independent of their creators. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What risk is associated with the illusions created by the discourses discussed?

<p>AI can exacerbate existing discriminatory practices. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What underlying belief is challenged by the critiques of the automation-obsolescence discourse?

<p>That AI operates under purely logical processes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does Kate Crawford highlight about the understanding of deep learning systems?

<p>They still involve elements that are not fully understood. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what context does the term 'Cartesian dualism' apply to AI systems?

<p>Portraying AI as independent, disembodied thinkers. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'obsolescence' specifically mean in the context of human relevance and AI?

<p>Being replaced by something newer or more efficient. (A), A condition where humans become less influential but still relevant. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern regarding human obsolescence in relation to artificial intelligence?

<p>Humans will lose control over the planet's fate. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the Anthropocene epoch?

<p>An era defined by human technological dominance and influence. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the transition to the 'Robocene' imply?

<p>A future where robots and AI hold significant control over human activities. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the dual nature of technological advancement as discussed?

<p>Technological advancement is both empowering and hastening human obsolescence. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What inherent conflict is presented regarding the role of humans in the future?

<p>Humans becoming more powerful while simultaneously becoming less relevant. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested about the relationship between humans and their technological creations?

<p>Technological creations can outpace human usefulness and control. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What potential outcome is indicated by the phrase 'living in the Anthropocene'?

<p>Human activities are significantly shaping the planet and its resources. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Obsolescence

A state where something is no longer useful or used, often replaced by something newer and more efficient.

Human Obsolescence

The idea that humans may become less relevant or useful in the face of advanced AI and automation.

Anthropocene

The current geological epoch characterized by human influence dominating the planet and its resources.

Robocene

The hypothetical future geological epoch where AI and automation become dominant forces on Earth.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Transition from Anthropocene to Robocene

The transition from a human-dominated era to an era where AI and automation become the primary drivers of change.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Technology's Double-Edged Sword

The technological advancements that have given humans immense power over the Earth are also driving their potential obsolescence.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Humans becoming redundant

The potential for AI and automation to replace human roles, making human contributions redundant and obsolete.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Loss of human control

The idea that AI and automation, despite their potential benefits, could lead to humans losing control over the fate of the planet and their species.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Disenchantment

A concept describing the idea that modern societies are characterized by the loss of magic and mystery, with rational thought prevailing.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Enchantment

A concept referring to the opposite of disenchantment, where awe, wonder, and mystery still hold power over our understanding.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Automation-Obsolescence Discourse

A discourse that emphasizes the inevitability of AI's development and its potential to automate and replace human jobs, creating a sense of impending obsolescence.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Enchanted-Determinism Discourse

A discourse that portrays AI as a mystical, almost magical entity with inherent power, often citing accuracy rates as evidence of its superiority.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cartesian Dualism in AI

The idea that AI systems are disembodied, independent entities that acquire knowledge separate from their creators, disregarding the human context and biases involved in their development and applications. This view separates the machine from its users and creators, leading to the illusion of objective, unbiased AI.

Signup and view all the flashcards

AI Perpetuating Discrimination

The potential for AI systems, particularly deep learning, to reproduce and amplify existing biases and discrimination in society when applied to human interactions and decision-making processes.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Risks of Automation-Obsolescence and Enchanted-Determinism Discourses

The inherent risk of the automation-obsolescence and enchanted-determinism discourses, leading to a distorted understanding of AI and its potential consequences.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Critique of AI Narratives

The need to challenge the simplistic narratives surrounding AI, acknowledging its limitations, and recognizing the complexities of human interaction with technology.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Moral Equality

The concept that all individuals possess inherent worth and deserve equal respect and dignity, regardless of their differences.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Natural Right

The philosophical idea that all human beings are, by nature, equal in their rights and freedoms. This is the foundation for many modern ideas about justice and equality.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Natural Inequality

The historical understanding that humans are inherently unequal, based on notions of social hierarchy or divinely ordained differences.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Stoicism

The philosophical school that emphasized the inherent equality of all rational beings, asserting the shared capacity for reason and moral action.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Social Contract Theory

A philosophical theory that proposes that the state of nature is characterized by individual freedom but lacks social order or authority. This concept was developed by prominent philosophers like Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Rousseau

The philosopher who argued that social inequality arises from the human desire for power, possessions, and perfection. He proposed that returning to a natural state of equality is necessary to overcome social injustice.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Just Action

An action that is just when it distributes benefits and burdens fairly, respecting the inherent worth of each individual. This concept evolved from the idea of natural right and reflects moral equality.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Equality before God

The concept that all individuals are equal before God, regardless of their social status, which has had a significant influence on moral and philosophical thought.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Presumption of Equality

A principle that asserts that any unequal distribution of goods or resources must be justified by reasons that apply equally to all.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Universal Human Worth

The core principle of human rights, established by Enlightenment thinkers like Kant, emphasizing equal freedom and autonomy for all rational beings.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Egalitarian Plateau

A fundamental concept that underpins modern political theories, establishing a baseline of equal respect for every individual.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Equal Respect for All Persons

The core principle of equal treatment for all, forming the foundation of modern human rights declarations and constitutional principles.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Justifications for Unequal Treatment

Factors that are generally considered justifiable for unequal treatment in the economic sphere, such as need, rights, performance, efficiency, and compensation for discrimination.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Equal Treatment Normatively Required

The philosophical debate focusing on the kind of equal treatment that is morally required when all individuals are acknowledged as persons with equal dignity.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Presumption of Equality Principle

A procedural principle for constructing theories, focusing on equal distribution of goods and requiring justification for any unequal distribution.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Intrinsic Egalitarianism

A theory that believes equality is inherently good, regardless of practical benefits. It argues that inequality itself is bad, even if it doesn't harm anyone.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Intergenerational Justice

Justice between generations. It questions if the current generation has an obligation to provide equal living conditions for future generations.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Starting-Gate Principles

Principles that focus on creating equal starting points for everyone, but don't guarantee continuous equality.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Strict Equality Principle

A type of equality principle that aims to achieve equal income at every point in time, even if it leads to wealth disparities.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Equality Time-Frame

The time frame in which a society is supposed to achieve and maintain the desired level of equality.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Equality Objective

The idea that equality should be achieved, maintained, or at least pursued as a goal.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Equality as Correction of Arbitrary Factors

The notion that equality should be achieved despite morally arbitrary factors like birth or social status.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Equal Initial Distribution

The idea that everyone should start with the same goods or resources, allowing them to use them freely afterwards, even if it leads to unequal outcomes.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Leveling-down Objection

The idea that striving for perfect equality can lead to a situation where everyone is equally bad off, without benefiting anyone. This objection arises when achieving equality requires taking away from those who are better off, without improving the situation for those who are worse off.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Instrumental Egalitarianism

This view emphasizes the importance of promoting equality for its positive consequences, such as reducing poverty, increasing economic growth, or stabilizing society. It focuses on the practical benefits rather than the inherent fairness of equality.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Pluralistic Egalitarianism

A version of egalitarianism that accepts equality as a significant value, but also recognizes other values, such as individual wellbeing. It acknowledges that promoting equality can sometimes conflict with other values, and seeks to find solutions that balance both goals.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Strict Egalitarianism

A type of egalitarianism that aims to achieve complete equality, even if it requires bringing everyone down to the same level. It focuses on maximizing equality without considering other potential benefits or drawbacks.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Welfare Egalitarianism

An approach to equality that emphasizes the importance of promoting the wellbeing of individuals, even if it sometimes requires accepting some degree of inequality. It prioritizes maximizing overall happiness and welfare.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Redistribution

The idea that achieving equality might sometimes require taking away from those who are better off to redistribute resources to those who are worse off. This raises questions about fairness and the ethics of such redistribution.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Equality of Opportunity

A form of equality that focuses on ensuring individuals have equal opportunities and access to resources, rather than attempting to achieve identical outcomes.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Module on the Economic and Political Impacts of AI

  • Human obsolescence is imminent, meaning humans are no longer necessary or useful.
  • Obsolescence is not extinction, but a shift in human role and influence.
  • The Anthropocene era is being replaced by the Robocene era.
  • Technological forces are hastening human obsolescence.
  • Automation is rapidly increasing.

Automation and Agriculture

  • Agricultural Revolution (10,000 years ago) led to complex societies.
  • In Western Europe, 30-70% of the population was employed in agriculture in 1800.
  • By 2012, less than 5% were employed in agriculture in Western Europe.
  • Agricultural productivity has increased despite the decline in agricultural labor.
  • Technology and machine labor have replaced human and animal labor in farming.
  • Fruit picking is one area where automation has not been fully implemented.

Automation and Manufacturing

  • The Industrial Revolution shifted economies from agricultural to industrial.
  • This revolution was driven by automating technologies using machines in place of humans.
  • The US textile industry experienced a dramatic drop in production in the 1990s, due to low wage countries.
  • There is an increase in reshoring production in the US in recent years.
  • Automation in manufacturing and agriculture is leading to job losses in Western economies.

Automation and the Service Sector

  • The service sector is gaining jobs as other sectors lose them.
  • This sector includes skilled physical work and emotional labor like customer service.
  • Automation is entering this sector, with examples like ATMs and self-service checkouts.
  • Online retailers (e.g., Amazon, eBay) are disrupting traditional retail.
  • Warehousing jobs are increasingly susceptible to automation.

Automation and Medical Diagnosis

  • Automation of diagnosis is increasingly common.
  • There may be a shortage of human diagnosticians in the future.
  • Machine learning algorithms can detect cancers and other diseases faster and earlier than humans.
  • The automation trend suggests that machine diagnosis will outpace human expertise in speed and accuracy.
  • AI technology raises significant questions about privacy and who is responsible for protecting people's health.

Utopias

  • Cyborg Utopia: Humans integrate with technology.
  • Virtual Utopia: Humans retreat to virtual worlds.

Dystopias

  • Premise 1: The trajectory of artificial intelligence (AI) may lead to systems with human-level, or even greater, intelligence.
  • Premise 2: Superintelligence does not imply benevolence.

The Case of AlphaGo

  • AlphaGo, developed by DeepMind, is an AI program that uses deep neural networks to play the board game Go.
  • In 2016, AlphaGo defeated the Go champion, Lee Sedol.
  • This demonstrated that AI can surpass human abilities in certain complex tasks.

The Case of AlphaZero

  • AlphaZero, a successor to AlphaGo, is purely based on reinforcement learning.
  • It surpassed human mastery of the game of Go.
  • This points to the capabilities of AI and how these capabilities can surpass human skills in complex tasks.

AI and Data

  • Data collection, analysis, and use in social settings are increasing concerns.
  • Deepfake technologies create realistic fake images, videos, and audio recordings that can be abused or manipulated.
  • Misinformation, disinformation, and malice are widespread.
  • Privacy, data protection, and data ownership are essential for a democratic society.

AI and the Labor Market

  • Global income inequalities have increased in the past decades.
  • Technology is a factor affecting the world of work, and Al is changing how people work and live.
  • There is a wide range of new tasks, but a concern about the loss of jobs.
  • Certain jobs are more vulnerable to automation than others, like office jobs, customer service, retail work.
  • Concerns regarding workers' wages and compensation are widespread.
  • Workplaces are increasingly using AI tools to collect data and track employee behavior.

Al and Democracy

  • The fear of Al undermining democracy is significant.
  • The use of data collection and analysis in political campaigns raise concerns about manipulation.
  • Concerns about the potential for misinformation and disinformation campaigns to manipulate voters.
  • The question of how to regulate Al and data use in political campaigns remains a challenge.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

Economics and AI PDF

Description

This quiz explores the distinctions between intrinsic and instrumental egalitarianism, focusing on their philosophical implications and potential objections. Key concepts such as the 'levelling-down' objection and the need for pluralism in egalitarian theories will be examined, along with the consequences of wealth redistribution.

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Browser