Which theory starts from the principle of equality and aims to ensure equal distribution of goods?

Which theory starts from the principle of equality and aims to ensure equal distribution of goods?

• A. Libertarian
• B. Utilitarian
• C. Egalitarian
• D. Marxist

Answer: (C)

Egalitarianism starts from the idea that everyone is moral equals and should receive equal shares of goods or resources. It directly aims to ensure that distributions reflect that equality, pushing policies and principles that level differences in outcomes so that no one has more than others by default. Libertarianism prioritizes freedom and private property, tolerating unequal outcomes as long as individual rights and voluntary exchanges are respected. Utilitarianism focuses on maximizing overall welfare; it justifies unequal distributions if they increase total happiness. Marxist theory seeks to end exploitation and move toward common ownership; while it pursues broader equality, its starting point is critique of capitalist structures and class analysis, not simply an axiom of equal distribution.

Egalitarianism starts from the idea that everyone is moral equals and should receive equal shares of goods or resources. It directly aims to ensure that distributions reflect that equality, pushing policies and principles that level differences in outcomes so that no one has more than others by default.

Libertarianism prioritizes freedom and private property, tolerating unequal outcomes as long as individual rights and voluntary exchanges are respected. Utilitarianism focuses on maximizing overall welfare; it justifies unequal distributions if they increase total happiness. Marxist theory seeks to end exploitation and move toward common ownership; while it pursues broader equality, its starting point is critique of capitalist structures and class analysis, not simply an axiom of equal distribution.