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

Question 1

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?

Answer 1

Explain Michael Huemer's worry that progressive taxation is exploitative, illustrating the link that he makes between exploitation and unfairness
Offer an original argument as to why this understanding of exploitation is either incomplete, irrelevant to the taxation debate, or fundamentally mistaken
Effectively describe the understanding of exploitation that one would have to adopt in order to forward the essay's counter-argument

Question 2

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.

Answer 2

Explain the ability-to-pay principle, drawing from Verbeek's essay or reply
Evaluate this principle in order to argue that it is either a fair principle. Or,
Evaluate this principle in order to argue that it is an unfair principle
Link the essay's evaluation of the ability-to-pay concept to the taxation debate

Question 3

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?

Answer 3

Exhibit an understanding of what common sense moral judgments are
Argue that ethical decisions should be-or should often be-influenced by our common sense. Or,
Argue that ethical decisions should not be-or should rarely be-influenced by our common sense
Offer an illustrative example of common sense moral judgments put into practice
Link this discussion to the taxation debate, illuminating its relevance to the tax policy question

Question 4

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

A) Everyone enjoys equal opportunities
B) Economic inequalities benefit the least well off in society
C) Everyone gets out exactly what they put in
D) No one is below a certain level such that a decent life is possible

Question 5

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

A) Taxation violates people's property rights
B) Taxation is an unfair way of achieving distributive justice
C) Taxation negatively affects people's wellbeing
D) Taxation harms the economy by limiting the rich

Question 6

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?

A) Instrumentalist principle and distributivist principle
B) Principle of fairness and principle of justice
C) Principle of fairness and ability-to-pay principle
D) Principle of obligation and principle of duty

Question 7

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

A) Benefits received
B) Ability to pay
C) Degree of productivity
D) Costs Incurred

Question 8

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

A) A band playing a rock concert
B) Friends dining at a restaurant
C) Retirees playing on a golf course
D) Warren Buffett paying his secretary

Question 9

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

Question 10

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

A) Income below a certain amount should be exempt from taxation
B) The wealthy should give a higher percentage of their income to charity than the poor
C) People have property rights to their pre-tax income
D) The poor are undertaxed relative to the wealthy

Question 11

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

A) Holds the rich accountable
B) Ensures legal fairness
C) Fixes interpersonal inequality
D) Imposes legal duties

Question 12

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 _____:

A) For benefits that only the poor receive
B) A higher property tax
C) A higher percentage of their income
D) For public goods and services

Question 13

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?"

A) Michael Huemer
B) Bruno Verbeek