of distribution cannot be sacrosanct or immutable, we ought not to approach the problem of altering it as if we were starting from scratch; as the sole criterion of distribution, for it makes no who cannot provide need. homage to this ideal, though they rejected it as immediately unattainable,

Chapter

Chapter

ABSTRACT

In the second place, there might seem to be an empirical test of needs. Whether a man needs food, clothing, and shelter would seem

to be a matter of fact, whereas his deserts depend on norms. Here again needs might seem to be more firmly grounded than claims based on desert.