The System Isn’t Broken. It’s Fixed

Abstract

This paper has two distinct and related aims. First, I attempt to clarify the oft-made claim that somehow the “system is fixed”. What is meant by that charge and how is it distinct from other kinds of complaints with regard to economic inequality? Second, I attempt to show how important it is to understand what we are doing together as members of a (political) economy. Without a clear conception of our joint, collaborative active, it is difficult to have a fruitful discussion of economic justice. Throughout the paper, I borrow insights from the philosopher Elizabeth Anderson.

Keywords

• egalitarianism
• equality of opportunity
• equality of outcome
• John Rawls
• joint cooperative activity
• Elizabeth Anderson