ECON 1005 · Microeconomics: Ethics, Justice, and Policy

Led by Amartya Sen Simulacrum

The ethical foundations of economics — utilitarianism, Rawlsian justice, libertarianism, and the capability approach — and what each implies for tax policy, inequality, and redistribution.

1. Module 1

   Utilitarianism and Welfare Economics

   Led by Amartya Sen Simulacrum

   The question

   A high-speed rail link: £4bn in benefits, £7bn in costs. The Kaldor-Hicks criterion says go ahead if winners could compensate losers. What does cost-benefit analysis measure well — and what does it systematically fail to measure?

   Outcome

   The student can apply utilitarian welfare economics, the Pareto criterion, and Kaldor-Hicks, and state Sen's critique.

   Sub-units

   1. ○ 1.1 Cost-Benefit Analysis Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   Begin the course → Print certificate of completion
2. Module 2

   Rawlsian Justice: The Veil of Ignorance

   Led by Amartya Sen Simulacrum

   The question

   CEO pay rose from 20× to 350× median worker pay between 1965 and 2022. Apply the difference principle: under what conditions is this inequality just — and what evidence would you need?

   Outcome

   The student can explain the veil of ignorance, state the two Rawlsian principles, and apply them to real inequalities.

   Sub-units

   1. ○ 2.1 The Difference Principle Applied Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   Open this module → Print certificate of completion
3. Module 3

   Libertarianism: Nozick and the Minimal State

   Led by Amartya Sen Simulacrum

   The question

   Nozick: taxation for redistribution is equivalent to forced labour. Identify the strongest objection — from a Rawlsian, a utilitarian, and Sen's capability perspective. Which is most compelling?

   Outcome

   The student can state the entitlement theory, apply the Wilt Chamberlain argument, and evaluate libertarianism against alternatives.

   Sub-units

   1. ○ 3.1 The Wilt Chamberlain Argument Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   Open this module → Print certificate of completion
4. Module 4

   The Capability Approach and Policy Implications

   Led by Amartya Sen Simulacrum

   The question

   Should university education be free? Apply utilitarianism, the difference principle, Nozick's entitlement theory, and Sen's capability approach. Where do they agree — and where do they conflict?

   Outcome

   The student can explain the capability approach, apply all four ethical frameworks, and evaluate them as bases for policy.

   Sub-units

   1. ○ 4.1 Final Essay: Three Frameworks, One Policy Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   Open this module → Print certificate of completion