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Document Details : Title: The Notion of Complex Equality and the Beauty of Alcibiades Author(s): HOOGHE, Marc Journal: Ethical Perspectives Volume: 6 Issue: 3-4 Date: 1999 Pages: 211-214 DOI: 10.2143/EP.6.3.505343 Abstract : One of Prof. Walzer's most fascinating contributions to the field of political theory is his introduction of the concept of 'complex equality'. In Spheres of Justice, he defines this concept as follows: 'In formal terms, complex equality means that no citizen's standing in one sphere or with regard to one social good can be undercut by his standing in some other sphere, with regard to some other good. Thus, citizen X may be chosen over citizen Y for political office, and then the two of them will be unequal in the sphere of politics. But they will not be unequal generally so long as X's office gives him no advantage over Y in any other sphere – superior medical care, access to better schools for his children, entrepreneurial opportunities, and so on' (Walzer 1983, 19). To achieve a situation of complex equality, Prof. Walzer proposes a system of blocked exchanges: it should be avoided that goods obtained in one sphere are exchanged to obtain goods in another sphere. For instance, the money person X has acquired in the economic sphere should not be used to 'buy' power and influence in the political sphere. |
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