final essay

Attend to all parts of the question and give a thorough account, detailing the respective positions. Write as if you are explaining these issues to one who has done none of the reading -- to a relative or a friend. Try, in other words, to be as clear as possible, demonstrating to me that you grasp the core dispute. You will also want to argue for one approach over another, offering reasons that would appeal to the fair-minded or neutral reader, one interested in learning the truth. I prefer you not quote other sources -- either within the course or from without -- back to me. This is not a research assignment but an analytical essay. Put matters in your own words. That said, evidence that work has been appropriated directly from elsewhere without the necessary acknowledgment and quotation marks will result in a zero on the assignment, and in some cases a failing grade in the class. Know, too, that while I am interested in your views here, they should be views informed by the reading. Any work written, developed, inspired by, or created with the aid of artificial intelligence (AI) is considered plagiarism. The use of AI robs one of the opportunity to hone not only one's writing skills, but the very ability to think -- which is the goal of this class. Please avoid the use of AI altogether in your assignments for this course; once this line is crossed, your work ceases to be your own. You may make as many attempts as you wish -- though I would save partial work in a separate file in case of cyber glitches or the like -- as long as you submit your final essay by noon on Saturday, December 9. This is a hard and fast deadline. Extensions will be granted in only extraordinary circumstances. Salvatore, Jr., inherited Sal’s, his Italian restaurant, from his late father, Salvatore, Sr. Sal, Jr.’s, net income last year after all expenses was $90,000. Renata has worked as a waitress at the restaurant for six years. She is paid $3.50 / hour plus tips. During an economic downturn, when unemployment spirals, Sal announces that all waitstaff will now be paid $2.50 / hour plus tips. Renata, a single mother with two children, explains that it was very difficult to pay her bills when she was making the higher rate. With this pay cut it will be almost impossible. Sal says he is sorry, but if Renata isn’t happy with the pay, no one is forcing her to work for him. She can always look for another job. When Renata accuses Sal of being unfair, he insists this isn’t so. It is his business, he reminds her, and he is entitled to whatever profits he can make. Is Sal being unfair? Does Renata deserve more? Or is Sal correct when he says because he is free to offer whatever he wants to pay, and because Renata is free to accept or reject the offer, whatever they agree to is just? Explain Nozick’s entitlement conditions and his Chamberlain example, and show how Nozick would answer these questions. Next, explain Rawls’ theory of justice — including the veil of ignorance, the maximin rule, and the difference principle — and explore how Rawls would answer. Finally, explain Marx’s theory of exploitation and talk about how Marx would respond. Who makes the best case in the end? Why? Defend your answer, elaborating at length.