Document Type
Discussion Paper
Publication Date
8-1-2004
CFDP Number
1477B
CFDP Revision Date
2005-02-01
CFDP Pages
24
Abstract
The ethic of ‘priority’ is a compromise between the extremely compensatory ethic of ‘welfare equality’ and the needs-blind ethic of ‘income equality’. We propose an axiom of priority, and characterize resource allocation rules that are impartial, prioritarian, and solidaristic. They comprise a class of rules which equalize across individuals some index of resources and welfare. Consequently, we provide an ethical rationalization for the many applications in which such indices have been used (e.g., the ‘human development index,’ ‘index of primary goods,’ etc.).
Recommended Citation
Moreno-Ternero, Juan D. and Roemer, John E., "Impartiality and Priority. Part 2: A Characterization with Solidarity" (2004). Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers. 1758.
https://elischolar.library.yale.edu/cowles-discussion-paper-series/1758