Do not quote other sources — either within the course or from without — back to me. Put matters in your own words. Evidence that work has been appropriated directly from elsewhere will resign in a zero on the assignment, and in some cases a failing grade in the class. Know, too, that while I am interested in your views here, they should be views informed by the reading. If you have not yet listened to my online lectures, I strongly urge you to do so.
Sal, Jr., inherited Salvatore’s, his Italian restaurant, from his late father, Sal, Sr. Sal, Jr.,’s net income last year after all expenses was $90,000. Marie has worked as a waitress at the restaurant for three years. She is paid $3.50 / hour plus tips. During an economic downturn, when unemployment spirals, Sal announces that all waitstaff will now be paid $2.50 / hour, plus tips.
Marie, a single mother with two children, explains that it was very difficult to pay her bills when she was making the higher rate. With this pay cut it will be almost impossible. Sal says he is sorry, but the fact is there are so many people looking for work he could probably hire six people off the street tomorrow who would be happy to work for even less.
When Marie accuses Sal of being unfair, he insists this isn’t so. It is his business, he reminds her, and he is entitled to whatever profits he can make. If Marie does not like it, she can always look for work elsewhere.
Is Sal being unfair? Does Marie deserve more? Or is Sal correct when he says because he is free to offer whatever he wants to pay, and because Marie is free to accept or reject the offer, whatever they agree to is just?
Explain Nozick’s entitlement conditions and his Chamberlain example, and show how Nozick would answer these questions.
Next, explain Rawls’ theory of justice — including the veil of ignorance, the maximin rule, and the difference principle — and explore how Rawls would answer.
Finally, explain Marx’s theory of exploitation and talk about how Marx would respond.
Who makes the best case in the end? Why? Defend your answer, elaborating at length.
