Problems for Equality of Opportunity

1. Opportunity and Outcome

• Janet Radcliffe Richards - Equality of outcome lies behind confused ideas of opportunity
• Equality of outcome - requires individuals have equal share of some good; levelling of material wealth
• Radcliffe uses the following example to reveal confused/conflated intuitions of equality of opportunity:

1. Allow anyone to apply who fits the school's culture

2. Academic merit

3.Recognition that most people apply already advanaged  - remedial classes? (introduces distinction of having vs giving)

4. Inborn talents

Means and Prospect Regarding

Means-regarding: equalising resources spent on development; ok if more talented people have better prospects. Fairness as a level playing field.

Prospect-regarding: equalising prospects after development. Not okay for talent to =…