Anarchy, State and Utopia

Equality

In Chapter 8, Nozick argues that many people assume that adjusting social institutions to produce greater equality of material conditions is just. However, he contends, this belief does not have sufficient justification. He further advances his own entitlement conception of justice as related to individuals’ right to possessions. The entitlement conception does not assume that equality is essential or inherent in society. Instead, his conception evaluates distributions historically, based on how they arise. Thus, Nozick emphasizes the legitimacy of processes over outcomes.

Equality of Opportunity

In this section, Nozick addresses the concept of equality of opportunity, which is often considered a minimal goal for equality. He identifies two methods to achieve this: worsening the situation of those more favored or improving the situation of the less favored, which involves reallocating resources. Therefore, the latter, Nozick argues, still implies worsening the situation for those more privileged. Nozick contends that forcibly seizing holdings, even for leveling opportunities, violates individual privileges and rights. Nozick believes that opportunities are the result of individual choices and exchanges.

Self-Esteem and Envy

In this section, Nozick explores the concept of envy in the context of egalitarianism. He defines envy as an individual not wanting to have something that one cannot have for oneself.