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An Egalitarian Resolution to the Non-Identity Problem of Ancestral Injustice
Author:
Jerod Coker
LSEGB
About Jerod
MSc Philosophy & Public Policy student at (2014-2015). He is a 2013 Marshall Scholar and will be studying for a MSc in Economic & Social History at the University of Oxford (St. Antony’s College) next year. He also holds a degree in Economics from the University of Oklahoma. His main interests are in moral and political philosophy, especially with respect to issues of economic justice. He hopes to return to the United States and work in the private sector before starting his own business.
Abstract
In this paper, I argue that individuals are only owed reparation if they are harmed by an injustice that occurs during their lifetime. I argue ancestral injustices do not demand reparation due to a problem I call the ‘Non-Identity Problem of Ancestral Injustice.’ I present a potential solution to this problem, put forth by George Sher, and then present a problem with the solution. I then show this second problem is not as worrisome as it may first seem, and tentatively argue that a sufficiently egalitarian notion of justice leaves our intuitions satisfied.
How to Cite:
Coker, J., 2014. An Egalitarian Resolution to the Non-Identity Problem of Ancestral Injustice. Rerum Causae, 6(2), pp.123–130.
Published on
01 Jul 2014.
Peer Reviewed
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