Inequality and the Inherent Dignity of Persons

Abstract

In this chapter I set out to do two things. One is to discuss certain concepts and claims that are foundational to the arguments in the subsequent chapters. Another is to set some expectations about arguments that will come later in the book. The chapter serves as an introduction in both respects but I do not summarize all the major claims or systematically list the most important arguments that I promise to make later in the book. That, I think, would make for pretty dreary fare. Instead, I hope to tantalize by simply starting with a discussion of the basic features of my approach to global inequality and the reasons that I have for thinking that it is unjust, and from time to time noting where certain ideas will be developed later.