Measuring Freedom

Suppose a principle of distributive justice states that social institutions should maximize the freedom least well-off. Understanding how to do so would be easier if only depended on one good, like income. If it depends instead composite index primary goods, question arises: Which combination goods can well-off? This is John Rawls’ indexing problem. Solving requires addressing two related problems. The first consists in evaluating, theory, under which conditions acceptable substitute is, their substitution rates. second evaluating substitutions are feasible practice. article proposes framework think clearly about this problem within Rawlsian, resourcist conception justice. I conclude by discussing path towards solving While further empirical exploration needed, plausible assumptions regimes suggest maximizing well-off likely require giving them access position with balanced goods.