Intrinsical vs Instrumental Egalitarianism

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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?

Intrinsic egalitarianism prioritizes achieving equality for its own sake, while instrumental egalitarianism values equality only for its positive consequences. Signup and view all the answers

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

It illustrates the moral perversity of deliberately making the better-off worse off to achieve equality. Signup and view all the answers

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

A greater emphasis on social welfare and well-being. Signup and view all the answers

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

By emphasizing the positive consequences of reducing poverty and promoting economic growth. Signup and view all the answers

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

It can lead to morally perverse actions, such as deliberately disadvantaging the better-off. Signup and view all the answers

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

Humans are unequal by nature. 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?

Hobbes Signup and view all the answers

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

Stoicism Signup and view all the answers

What does Rousseau argue is the cause of social inequality?

Human urge for perfection Signup and view all the answers

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

Everyone deserves equal dignity and respect. 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?

Locke Signup and view all the answers

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

God Signup and view all the answers

What did the classical formula for justice emphasize regarding individuals?

Offering each individual his or her due. Signup and view all the answers

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

Presumption of equality 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?

Equality, freedom, and fraternity Signup and view all the answers

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

It lies on the side of those who favor unequal distribution 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?

Unequal living conditions can arise from morally arbitrary factors. Signup and view all the answers

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

The equality postulate of universal human worth Signup and view all the answers

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

Initial distributions are crucial after which individuals can manage freely. Signup and view all the answers

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

Uniformity in social status Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'intrinsic egalitarianism'?

Equality is inherently good, regardless of consequences. Signup and view all the answers

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

The obligations of the present generation towards future generations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the fundamental idea widely accepted regarding human dignity?

Moral equality as the egalitarian plateau Signup and view all the answers

What is typically required by strict equality principles over time?

Equal income should be maintained in each specified time-frame. Signup and view all the answers

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

Moral equality Signup and view all the answers

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

Differences in family background Signup and view all the answers

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

To avoid potential large inequalities in outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

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

A foundation for ethical wealth allocation over time. Signup and view all the answers

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

Significant disparities in wealth among individuals. Signup and view all the answers

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

They operate under both mastered control and mysterious forces. Signup and view all the answers

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

AI is seen as accelerating independently of human input. Signup and view all the answers

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

It supports claims of accuracy over causal explanations. Signup and view all the answers

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

The fantasy of AI as disembodied brains independent of their creators. Signup and view all the answers

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

AI can exacerbate existing discriminatory practices. Signup and view all the answers

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

That AI operates under purely logical processes. Signup and view all the answers

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

They still involve elements that are not fully understood. Signup and view all the answers

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

Portraying AI as independent, disembodied thinkers. Signup and view all the answers

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

Being replaced by something newer or more efficient. Signup and view all the answers

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

Humans will lose control over the planet's fate. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the Anthropocene epoch?

An era defined by human technological dominance and influence. Signup and view all the answers

What does the transition to the 'Robocene' imply?

A future where robots and AI hold significant control over human activities. Signup and view all the answers

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

Technological advancement is both empowering and hastening human obsolescence. Signup and view all the answers

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

Humans becoming more powerful while simultaneously becoming less relevant. Signup and view all the answers

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

Technological creations can outpace human usefulness and control. Signup and view all the answers

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

Human activities are significantly shaping the planet and its resources. Signup and view all the answers

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.

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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.