What’s a Just Society? Philosophy at the Movies (PHL221)

Practice flashcards covering the concepts of distributive justice, hierarchy, Marxism, liberalism, and libertarianism as discussed through the movie Snowpiercer.

Who directed the 2013 science-fiction movie Snowpiercer?

Bong Joon Ho

How is the train in Snowpiercer divided from back to front?

The train is divided into the Tail (poverty, protein blocks), Middle cars (labor, school), Front (comfort, elite culture), and the Engine (power and control).

What is the definition of Distributive Justice according to the lecture?

The part of political philosophy concerned with the fair distribution of benefits and burdens in society.

What are the four broad answers to the question of what makes a distribution just?

1. Hierarchy (proper function), 2. Marxism (overcoming class exploitation), 3. Liberalism (unbiased rules helping the worst-off), and 4. Libertarianism (just acquisition and transfer).

In Plato's Republic, what are the three classes of the just city and their respective traits?

1. Rulers (wisdom), 2. Auxiliaries (courage), and 3. Producers (appetites).

What is Aristotle’s view on "natural slaves"?

He argues that some people are natural slaves because they can recognize reason in others but cannot fully deliberate for themselves, making them supposedly better off being ruled.

According to Karl Marx, what determines the "superstructure" (culture, religion, politics) of a society?

The underlying class structure, where one class owns the means of production and another sells their labor.

What is the famous communist ideal regarding social organization in a Marxist framework?

“From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs.”

What is the difference between the Labour Theory of Value and the Marginal Utility Theory of Value?

The Labour Theory of Value states value is determined by the amount of labour used, بينما the Marginal Utility Theory of Value states value is determined by how much people freely value the product.

What is the purpose of the "veil of ignorance" in John Rawls’s Liberalism?

It is a thought experiment where individuals choose the basic principles of society without knowing their own class, race, gender, talents, or future position to ensure the rules are unbiased.

What are Rawls’s two principles of justice?

1. Equal Basic Liberties for everyone. 2. Social and economic inequalities must be attached to offices open to all under fair equality of opportunity and must benefit the least advantaged (the difference principle).

According to Robert Nozick’s Entitlement Theory, what three parts determine if a distribution is just?

1. Justice in acquisition, 2. Justice in transfer, and 3. Rectification of past injustices.

In Nozick's Wilt Chamberlain example, how much money does Chamberlain end up with after the voluntary transfers?

$$250,000$$

What is Robert Nozick’s slogan regarding patterns of distribution?

"Liberty upsets patterns."

When and where is the final exam for PHL221 scheduled?

Friday, June 19, from $9:00$–$11:00$ am in MN 1210.