The Morality of Extreme Wealth
This research project aims to uncover extreme wealth as a normative problem and to develop a new philosophical framework that explains the issue from a moral perspective.
About the Project
Inequality and poverty are classical core themes within political philosophy. For decades, distributive theories have developed various approaches, viewpoints, and arguments concerning these key issues, which have proven useful in analyzing the problems of rising inequality and persistent poverty.
However, a new trend in economic distribution is emerging. Not only is inequality increasing, but it is doing so in a way that leads the wealthiest in our society to become extremely rich.
This development involves a significant concentration of society’s economic resources in the hands of relatively few individuals, who enjoy radically different conditions and opportunities than the average citizen. Classical distributive theory is unable to analyze the specific moral problems and aspects that arise in a society as a result of extreme wealth.
This research project seeks to uncover extreme wealth as a distinct normative problem and to develop a new philosophical framework aimed at explaining the issue from a moral perspective.
The project aims to contribute to three key areas of research: To explore distinct moral reasons why extreme wealth constitutes a problem of justice. To analyze the role of individual responsibility in a moral theory of extreme wealth. To uncover and assess the moral obligations that accompany being extremely wealthy. These contributions may help advance our understanding and language of justice.
Contact
Lasse Nilsen, PI
lasseni@sdu.dk
The research project is funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark, DFF 2.