ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses G.A. Cohen. Cohen represents a modern version of socialism. He defends an egalitarian principle on which inequalities due to free and informed choice are acceptable, but adds that this principle alone may permit inequalities that can harm community. Therefore, the egalitarian principle must be supplemented by a principle which states that inequality must be combatted to allow the existence of genuine communities. He emphasizes that a just society depends on individuals standing up for each other, and argues that the best off in such a society will accept very high income taxes for the most capable. Cohen’s socialism is an alternative to both the Norwegian welfare state and to Rawls’ theory.
