Discrete Idiosyncratic Goods and Structural Principles of Distributive Justice

In: The journal of politics: JOP, Band 52, Heft 4, S. 1182-1204

Abstract

A general account of two sets of properties -- fungibility & nonfungibility, & divisibility & indivisibility -- is provided as the distinguishing categories for goods, & it is contended that these distinctions entail complications for structural principles of distributive justice. James S. Fishkin's discussion of structural principles (seeTyranny and Legitimacy: A Critique of Political Theories, Baltimore, Md: Johns Hopkins U Press, 1979) is provided as an example, & it is argued that: (1) Fishkin's view that value, structure, & assignment are independent holds only to the degree that the goods considered are fungible & divisible; (2) structural principles cannot accommodate highly nonfungible, indivisible goods; & (3) these difficulties can be managed through the application of value-sensitive proviso. Medical care & advanced education are then shown to be highly fungible & indivisible goods, thus supporting the earlier distinction. Provided are specifications of the nature of complementary contributions as well as coordination problems between structural principles & the value-sensitive proviso in their application to distributive justice issues. 1 Figure, 18 References. Adapted from the source document.