luckegalitarian

Luckegalitarianism is a moral and political philosophy that seeks to justify inequalities based on differences in good or bad luck, while seeking to eliminate inequalities arising from choices or efforts. The core idea is that it is unfair for people to be significantly worse off due to circumstances beyond their control.

Proponents of luckegalitarianism argue that society should aim to equalize outcomes that are a matter of brute luck, meaning luck that is not a result of an individual's choices. This includes factors like genetic endowments, natural talents, and the circumstances of one's birth. However, they generally believe that inequalities stemming from voluntary choices and efforts are justifiable, as individuals are responsible for the consequences of their actions.

The philosophy aims to strike a balance between individual liberty and social justice. It suggests that while individuals should be free to make choices, society has a responsibility to mitigate the disadvantages faced by those who are unlucky. This might involve policies such as progressive taxation, social safety nets, and investments in education and healthcare to provide a more level playing field.

Critics of luckegalitarianism often raise questions about the difficulty in distinguishing between luck and choice, and the potential for such a philosophy to undermine personal responsibility or lead to intrusive state intervention. Debates also arise regarding the specific policies that would best implement luckegalitarian principles.