Exam 6: Bruno Verbeek and Michael Huemer, “Taxation”

Both Verbeek and Huemer agree with which of the following statements?

In his essay, Verbeek suggests that a society with a just economic distribution is one where _____:

In his section "What Is a Fair Tax?," Michael Huemer argues that certain progressive principles are incompatible with common sense moral judgments. In your essay, answer this question: how important is it that our policies are justified based on common sense moral judgments? In other words, are there situations where common sense isn't particularly relevant, in which it's OK if the right course of action seems unfair or otherwise wrong? If so, why might that be?

Michael Huemer believes that the current taxation exploits the wealthy. He affirms: Many people assume as a matter of course that "the rich" or "the super-rich" as a class are immoral, that they are taking advantage of the rest of us, that they are failing to do "their fair share" for society. The truth is the exact opposite: It is the rest of us who refuse to do our fair share. It is we who are exploiting the rich. Through our representatives, we impose tax laws that force the wealthy to carry the entire burden of paying for government and then some. In your essay, explain what Huemer means when he talks about exploitation in this context. Then, think of a reasonable criticism of Huemer's understanding of exploitation. How might someone respond to him, arguing that the behavior he describes is not an unjust, exploitative act? What kind of understanding of exploitation would you have to adopt in order to disagree with Huemer on this point?

Throughout his essay, Huemer uses an example to help illustrate his argument for fair taxation. What is it?

In his reply, Huemer argues that even if the wealthy should pay a higher absolute tax, it does not follow that the wealthy should pay _____:

In his reply, Verbeek affirms that Huemer fails to recognize that taxation is a legal instrument that does what?

In his essay, Huemer considers three theories of fair tax distribution. Which of the following is NOT one of those theories?

In his essay, Verbeek responds to what objection against his argument on taxation?

Huemer concludes his essay by saying, "It is time for the poor and the middle class to start paying their fair share of taxes."

In his essay, Bruno Verbeek introduces and defends the ability-to-pay principle. In your essay, explain this principle. Do you think it is fair for "the strongest shoulders" to carry most of the weight? Or, do you think that there are situations where placing greater burdens on stronger persons or groups is unfair? Defend your answer. Then, explain your answer's implications for the taxation debate.

Which author begins his essay by saying, "Let's assume for the sake of argument that government is necessary for any livable society. Let us assume also that taxation is the only feasible means of financing a government. The question is: how should the tax burden be distributed?"

In his essay, Verbeek proposes combining two principles in order to determine the extent to which progressive taxation is permissible. What are these two principles?