Blog Post 4- equality

I would argue that the theory of equality is the most defensible of the theories of goodness and intrinsic value.  Every person's interests should be considered equally.  Every person counts as one and no one should be counted more than someone else.  The best way to maximize the good and minimize the bad would be to regard everyone equally.  The distributes the good more evenly and fairly.  When regarding the interests of each person, it is however important to take into account what these interests are.  Not every interest should be regarded as equal.  If the interests of one individual sacrifices the interests of another or the happiness of another, it should not be taken into account.  This helps to maximize the good and minimize the bad.  If we look at the example brought up in class in which Mother Theresa had 91 units of well-being and the nine Nazis only had one unit of well-being each, this would not be fair if all of their interests are morally good.  If satisfying all of their interests doesn't risk the interests of someone else, all ten of them should be regarded as equal.  If the interests of the nine Nazis put other people's risks in jeopardy than it would be fair to deny them of that.  On the basis of equality, no one can expect another person to satisfy their interests or desires if it puts their own in jeopardy.  Equal treatment of everyone requires that every person "claims a fair portion."  It does not imply that all interests "have the same weight in disposal."