Equality

The most defensible theory of good is that of equality. The main objection is Mother Theresa and all the Nazis would thus be treated equally. Unfortunately this is true and a valid objection. However, it remains an unfortunate consequence I would be willing to accept, because equality is the only theory of good that is truly fair. And while it is true that good and bad people alike would begin to receive the same treatment, once it started, everyone would be the same. The Nazis in the example would no longer be able to abuse anyone, and Mother Theresa would have no need to help anyone anymore, because everyone is the same. Everyone’s slate is wiped clean, no matter who you are, and everyone is treated in the exact same manner as everyone else. Wellbeing is certainly important, but really only fair if everyone has the same amount of wellbeing. Desert too is important, but who decides? We as people are extremely and unfortunately prone to bias, and to varying degrees we struggle to overcome it. Then there is that matter of consensus. We can barely decide, in this country, on a wide ranging number of issues, such as abortion, immigration, marijuana use and gay marriage. Even balancing the budget because an implosive issue. How would we ever decide as a people who deserves what? To me, the answer is we wouldn’t, and everything would need to be divided up equally. Narrative is certainly desirable, but it’s likely true that if your life is going downhill, then so is everyone else’s. At that point, at least you’re with a group of people who understand what you’re going through. Better to suffer together, in my opinion. Beauty and Ecosystem are much to subjective and dependent on the individual to stand up to the test of most defensible theory. Truly, Equality is the only one which outmatches them all.