Examine the entitlement theory of Justice.

Entitlement theory was proposed by “Robert Nozick” in his book- “Anarchy, state and Utopia”. It is a theory based on distributive justice and private property. Through this theory, Nozick attempted to explain the concept of “Justice in holdings”.

The entitlement theory largely comprises of three main principles-

1. Principle of justice in acquisition- It deals with the initial acquisition of holdings. It explains the concepts like- how people first came to own the unowned, what type of things can be hold, etc.
2. Principle of justice in transfer- It attempts to explain- how any person can acquire holdings from some other person. This also includes any voluntary exchanges and gifts.
3. Principle of rectification of injustice- This principle attempts to explain- how to deal with any of those holdings that are unjustly acquired or transferred.

Nozick believed that if the world would have been wholly just, then only the first two principles would be needed. Then, the entitlement theory would imply that the distribution is just if everyone is entitled to those holdings that they possess under the distribution.

However, Nozick also knew that- not everyone follows these rules. There are some people who steal from others, who enslave and defraud other people. Thus, Nozick justified the third principle of rectification.

Largely, entitlement theory is also influenced by John Locke’s ideas. Under this theory, people are represented as ends in themselves and are considered to be equals. Adding on to this, Nozick’s ideas create a strong system of private property and a free market based economy. He believed that the only just transaction in the society is the voluntary one. Thus, in this context, the taxation of rich to support the social programs for poor is also unjust because here the state is acquiring money by force instead of demanding it through a voluntary transaction.  

Thus, it is understood that- Nozick’s entitlement theory also contrasts sharply with Rawl’s principle of justice, which said that- each person has an equal claim to all the basic rights and liberties. Rawl also said that, “Inequality should only be promoted if that inequality is reasonably expected to be of everyone’s advantage”. Nozick on the contrary, argues that- ‘people who produce certain things have rights over them’.

However in his later work, “The examined life”- Nozick reflected that the entitlement theory’s definition of “people’s holdings” may have some serious issues. It could lead to majority of resources being accumulated in the hands of few extremely skilled and left others at the steps of inequality.

Nozick emphasized on the fact that his vision of ‘minimal state’ is inclusive and also compatible with the existence of smaller communities. He believed that any group that wanted to form a socialist community governed by an egalitarian theory would be free to do so- if they are not forcing other communities against their will. Thus, according to Nozick, the concept of ‘minimal state’ constitutes a ‘framework for utopia’.