explain Does it make a difference whether the transaction takes place during a war or in peacetime?
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As our text discusses, one test of utilitarian and libertarian theories of justice is to consider their arguments for and against the use of markets in some controversial setting. Chapter V in our text provides two such examples: allowing conscripts to hire a substitute to take ones place in military service (pages 127-138) and surrogate motherhood (introduction on page 127 and pages 138-156.
In your post, discuss ONLY ONE of the following two scenarios:
Military Service
In the American Civil War, men who were drafted for the Army had the option of hiring a substitute to take their place, or paying a commutation fee to avoid military service. Discuss the following:
Are these practices tantamount to selling off ones duty as a citizen, or are they perfectly acceptable market transactions?
Does it make a difference whether the transaction takes place during a war or in peacetime?
What do you think? Do either utilitarians or libertarians have the right answer?
Support your observations with specific sources and examples.
Surrogate Motherhood
Discuss the following:
A utilitarian would say that surrogacy contracts should be allowed if they maximize happiness.
A libertarian would say that people should be free to use their own bodies in whatever way they like, provided they do not violate other peoples rights.
Elizabeth Andersons position is that surrogate motherhood commodifies children and womens labor.
What do you think? Do utilitarians, libertarians, or Anderson have the right answer?
Support your observations with specific sources and examples.
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