University of Kansas, Spring 2004
Philosophy 555: Justice and Economic Systems
Ben Eggleston—eggleston@ku.edu

Class notes: Unger, chapter 6: “Living High and Letting Die Reconsidered: On the Costs of a Morally Decent Life”

The following notes correspond roughly to what we cover, including at least a portion of what I put on the board or the screen, in class. In places they may be more or less comprehensive than what we actually cover in class, and should not be taken as a substitute for your own observations and records of what goes on in class.

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1. one argument for significant sacrifice
   1. Bob, Ray, and us (pp. 135.5–139.7)
   2. salience, excitement, and projective grouping (pp. 137.7–138.5)
2. another argument for significant sacrifice
   1. weak principle of ethical integrity (p. 140.5)
   2. note avoidance of insistence on absolute impartiality
3. non-material costs
   1. getting a well-paying job (p. 151.4–8)
   2. being politically active (p. 152.3–4)