Moral Philosophy Final Exam - Topic 8 - The Right to Health Care

Claim Rights

A right that entails a duty on others to act or refrain from acting in a certain way

Positive Right

A right that requires others to provide a good or service

Decent Minimum of Health Care

The idea that the state is not necessarily required to provide every possible medical treatment, but must ensure all citizens have access to a basic tier of essential services

Fair Equality of Opportunity

A principle of justice requiring that people with the same talents and willingness to use them should have the same prospects of success, regardless of their social starting point

Rawlsian Theory of Justice Applied to Disability

Using the "Original Position" and the "Veil of Ignorance," Rawls argues we would choose principles that protect those with the least advantages. This justifies social support and healthcare for people with disabilities to ensure they can still participate in society

Daniel’s Argument for a Right to Health Care

Health is a prerequisite for normal species functioning. Since impaired functioning limits a person’s range of opportunities, society must provide health care to maintain fair equality of opportunity