ABSTRACT
The minimal state is the most extensive state that can be justified. This chapter considers the claim that a more extensive state is justified, because necessary to achieve distributive justice. The term distributive justice is not a neutral one. A distribution is just if it arises from another just distribution by legitimate means. The legitimate means of moving from one distribution to another are specified by the principle of justice in transfer. The entitlement theory of justice in distribution is historical. In contrast, current time-slice principles of justice hold that the justice of a distribution is determined by how things are distributed as judged by some structural principles of just distribution. The entitlement principles of justice in holdings that have been sketched are historical principles of justice. The writings of F. A. Hayek focus less than is usually done upon what patterning distributive justice requires.
