ABSTRACT
This chapter sets down descriptive criteria of equality, discusses in a meaningful way whether egalitarianism in general is just, or whether egalitarian principles of a particular kind are desirable. It explicates the concept of egalitarianism so that it yields criteria which are not only empirical, but also general. A flat rate and a graduated income tax both fulfill the requirement of proportional equality. The relative value of things given can usually be objectively ascertained and measured; and so can personal characteristics such as age or income, and even intelligence or aptitude for a certain task. The chapter examines a few of the more important rules of redistribution in the light of the proposed criterion of egalitarianism. Contemporary proponents of the democratic welfare state tend to combine the two egalitarian principles of equal satisfaction of basic needs and of equality of opportunity with another rule of redistribution: to each according to his merit.
