Dados is one of the most widely-read social sciences journals in Latin America. Created in 1966, it publishes innovative works, originating from academic research, by Brazilian and foreign authors. Edited by IESP-UERJ, it aims to reconcile scientific rigor and academic excellence with an emphasis on public debate based on the analysis of substantive issues of society and politics.
Dados vol. 42 n. 3 Rio de Janeiro 1999
Abstract
It is discussed to what extent Amartya Sen's normative approach to socioeconomic inequalities represents an improvement with respect to John Rawls's approach. Sen's critique of the equalisandum of Rawls's theory (the so-called 'primary goods') and Sen's arguments for equality of capability are examined. It is argued that though Sen's metric seems particularly fitted to deal with poverty and destitution, this is not the case when inequalities above a minimally decent level of 'capability to function' are in question. For the latter purpose, Rawls' metric of primary goods is preferable.
Keywords: distributive justice, equality of primary goods, equality of capability
DOI: 10.1590/S0011-52581999000300004
Distributive justice: Sen's critique of Rawls
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