Conference Level

Graduate

Location

University of Windsor

Start Date

28-3-2015 1:30 PM

End Date

28-3-2015 2:00 PM

Abstract

Author Information:

Paul Tubig

PhD Philosophy Student, University of Washington - Seattle

ptubig@uw.edu


Submission Title:

The Place of Health in the Liberal Theory of Justice

Abstract:

The purpose of this paper is to articulate the relationship between health and justice. Ethical claims, such as the World Health Organization’s assertion that health is a fundamental human right or that global health inequalities are normative inequities, require a conceptual analysis of the meaning and value of health within a particular framework of justice. Working from the liberal conception of justice as developed by John Rawls, I will argue that the political significance of health is derived from the Rawlsian democratic conception of persons. In developing this thesis, I will first argue against the traditional biomedical approach of defining health within the political context and instead, advocate a conception of health that comprises of a normative dimension to derive moral rights and responsibilities. I will then argue that the most reasonable conception of health as a public value is derived from Rawls’ democratic conception of persons. By understanding the public identity of citizens as persons who possess a specific set of moral powers and highest order moral interests to develop and exercise these powers, we can derive the political significance of health as a necessary background condition to serve these interests. Therefore, structural arrangements should promote public health to the extent that the two moral powers are developed and sustained.

Key Words:

Justice, Health, Rawls, Liberalism, Healthcare Justice, Political Bioethics

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Mar 28th, 1:30 PM Mar 28th, 2:00 PM

The Place of Health in the Liberal Theory of Justice

University of Windsor

Author Information:

Paul Tubig

PhD Philosophy Student, University of Washington - Seattle

ptubig@uw.edu


Submission Title:

The Place of Health in the Liberal Theory of Justice

Abstract:

The purpose of this paper is to articulate the relationship between health and justice. Ethical claims, such as the World Health Organization’s assertion that health is a fundamental human right or that global health inequalities are normative inequities, require a conceptual analysis of the meaning and value of health within a particular framework of justice. Working from the liberal conception of justice as developed by John Rawls, I will argue that the political significance of health is derived from the Rawlsian democratic conception of persons. In developing this thesis, I will first argue against the traditional biomedical approach of defining health within the political context and instead, advocate a conception of health that comprises of a normative dimension to derive moral rights and responsibilities. I will then argue that the most reasonable conception of health as a public value is derived from Rawls’ democratic conception of persons. By understanding the public identity of citizens as persons who possess a specific set of moral powers and highest order moral interests to develop and exercise these powers, we can derive the political significance of health as a necessary background condition to serve these interests. Therefore, structural arrangements should promote public health to the extent that the two moral powers are developed and sustained.

Key Words:

Justice, Health, Rawls, Liberalism, Healthcare Justice, Political Bioethics