Towards Economic Justice Philosophical Perspectives on Taxation and Global Equity

Abstract

As the world evolves and continues to develop, complex issues will continue to arise that demand our best interpretations. How we approach and solve the problems of tomorrow will depend in part on how we think critically about such problems. One pertinent problem that will continue to exist is how we allocate the world’s resources. Thus, the formulation and application of legal frameworks governing the allocation of resources will become increasingly consequential. Our interpretation and design of these frameworks will be defined by the complex interplay between philosophical reasoning, economic principles, moral values, and conceptions of justice. An area that highlights this complex intersection is the concept of economic justice. In a broad sense, economic justice can be defined as fair and equitable distribution of wealth in society, equal opportunity despite differing backgrounds, access to basic necessities, and ethical grounding in economic policies. What underlies economic justice is justice itself, a seemingly abstract and idealized concept.