25990 - Theories of Distributive Justice

Learning outcomes

The course offers an introduction to the economic analysis of inequality and of the main theories of distributive justice. It aims to provide the conceptual tools needed to allow students to understand the main theoretical issues and to take part, with sufficient precision and autonomy, to the contemporary political and economic debate. A particular attention will be devoted to the analysis of the global dimension of inequality and to the critical discussion of distributive justice theories adequate for this level.

Course contents

The course is divided in two parts. In the first part, devoted to the foundations, the main theoretical approaches will be presented and critically discussed. In the second part these approaches will be applied to the study of inequality and distributive justice in a global perspective with applications to some case studies of particular relevance.

Part 1. Foundations (20 hours)

1.1.Introduction

Inequality in an historical and comparative perspective (inequality measures end their historical evolution in some OECD countries; inequality within countries, between countries and global inequality: definitions,  evolution and interpretations; income and wealth inequality; transitions between classes of income and wealth; inequality and opportunity; inequality and poverty).

1.2. Distributive justice and social choice.

First and Second theorem of welfare economics. Value social judgments and interpersonal comparisons. Arrow's impossibility theorem. Rawlsian and Utilitarian social welfare functions. Equity according to Varian. Equality of opportunity.

1.3. Extensions.

Social contract and bargaining games (Nash and Kalai-Smorodinsky solutions); Harsanyi (extended alternatives; extended preferences; interpersonal comparisons; impartial spectator theorem). Rawls (social cooperation and mutual advantage; foundamental structure of society; principles of justice). Nozick (justice in acquisitions and in transfers; limiting proviso and compensation).

Part 2. Inequality and distributive justice in a global perspective (20 hours)

2.1 International and global inequality

(Globalization and inequality; international trade and inequality; distributive justice: communitarian, liberal and cosmopolitan perspectives; inequality and national responsibility)

2.2 Distributive justice and governance of global warming

(global externality measurement: current and historical emissions; the role of advanced countries and LDC; fairness and emission rights; fairness in a “cap and trade” model; cooperative solutions; self-enforcing international agreements)

2.3 Distributive justice and transboundary water management.

(water availability, development and poverty; conflict and cooperation in the management of  transboundary water: case studies; institutional failures; cooperative and non-cooperative solutions; self-enforcing international agreements)

2.4 Distributive justice and foreign direct investments in natural resources acquisition.

(inequality and land access; population and food security; land grabbing; foreign direct investments; agrarian reforms, inequality and distributive justice; some case-studies)

Readings/Bibliography

The syllabus will be communicated at the first lecture and it will be available on the web page of the course.

Teaching methods

The course will be based on instructor's lectures.

Assessment methods

A two-hours written exam at the end of the course

Teaching tools

A web page with the detailed syllabus and the exams scores

Office hours

See the website of Giorgio Giovanni Negroni