There has been much talk about raising the minimum wage for low level earners in this country. The current federal minimum wage is $7.25/hr. The new minimum wage in New York State is much higher at $11.10/hr. However, many feel that even this higher rate is not enough to live off of in many places. That is why many people argue that businesses should be required to pay what is called a “living wage.” A living wage is a wage that would be sure to cover basic expenses such as rent, child care, health care, etc. Living wage therefore depends on the area in which one lives. (See the living wage calculator at http://livingwage.mit.edu/ to see rates for different areas across the country.)
Quiz question (be sure to answer all parts):
What would Rawls say about requiring businesses to provide a living wage? Apply his two principles of justice here. What would Nozick say about this? Apply his two principles of justice here. Finally, what would a duty theorist say about providing a living wage? Apply the categorical imperative here.