Deck 7: Mark Reiff and John Gaski, “Minimum Wage”

Question 1

In his essay, Mark Reiff says that,
In a just society, the solution to the problem of under and unemployment is not employing people for less than a just wage, it is growing the economy to a sufficient extent by moral means, whatever these may be, so that all those who are willing and able to work for a just wage can find the employment they desire.
In your essay, consider and explain: what understanding about the importance of work must Reiff have in order to make a claim like this one? Then, think about one challenge that could arise from thinking about work this way, especially in the context of the minimum wage debate. In other words, what is a problem that we might face if we took Reiff's beliefs about work, and used them to help us decide what to do about minimum wage? You may think that this problem has a solution, but use your essay to explore this problem.

Answer 1

Describe the understanding of labor that underpins Reiff's claim, perhaps drawing from his earlier claim that "employment is an important component of self-respect"
Present a challenge that can arise from upholding this understanding of labor, illustrating this point by making reference to the minimum wage policy question

Question 2

In his essay, John Gaski expresses a deep cynicism about certain groups of people who support minimum wage. In your essay, describe one of Gaski's concerns. Then, consider: If we are worried that our opponents have evil aims, how important should this be in shaping our ethical response? Be sure to link your answer up with the wider minimum wage debate.

Answer 2

Capture one of the areas of cynicism that Gaski expresses about his ideological opponents (i.e- "politicians know how they benefit from the superficial attraction of a minimum wage to voters who do not comprehend the detrimental economics of the policy," "[Democratic politicians] actually wish to create a larger underclass because that is their most reliable source of votes," etc.)
Thoughtfully examine the idea that a concern over an opponent's intentions should form part of our ethical response to their position
Argue that a cynical concern like this one has an important role to play in shaping our ethical response. Or,
Argue that a cynical concern like this one does not have an important role to play in shaping our ethical response
The essay's original argument should be put into conversation with the minimum wage debate, even if it is only briefly

Question 3

In his reply to Mark Reiff's Rawlsian argument, John Gaski asserts:
Of course all humans are not perfectly equal in talent, information, or effort. A liberal government endeavors to enact equality before the law, but countless sources of natural inequality are present in any society. As a result, this Rawls/Reiff hypothetical does not apply to the real world.
What do you make of this claim? Is it true that "this Rawls/Reiff hypothetical" doesn't apply to the real world? How important is actual equality to the point Reiff is making? And more generally, what should we do when there's tension between our ideals and empirical realities?

Answer 3

Demonstrate understanding of the dispute between Gaski and Reiff
Reflect on the problem of balancing abstract, ideological commitments with the messy realities of real world problems

Question 4

In his essay, Reiff makes three main arguments. Which of the following is NOT one of his arguments?

A) A living wage is a just wage
B) A living wage is required by our moral duty to alleviate poverty
C) There are no counter-veiling negative effects of paying a living wage
D) The value of labor performed should be determined by reference to the labor's cost of production

Question 5

In his essay, Reiff suggests that a workers' wages should cover the cost of what?

A) The price of keeping a family alive
B) Their absolute most basic needs
C) The cost of living and modest luxuries
D) Their contextual basic needs

Question 6

In his essay, Reiff grounds his argument on the requirement(s) of _____:

A) Reciprocity
B) Poverty alleviation
C) Distributive justice
D) Equality

Question 7

In his essay, Gaski affirms that an enforced minimum wage is essentially what?

A) A price control
B) A government scam
C) A tool to help the poor
D) An income buffer

Question 8

In his essay, Gaski points to a group that overwhelmingly agrees that minimum wage causes unemployment in order to defend his position. What group is it?

A) Politicians
B) Economists
C) Philosophers
D) Middle-class citizens

Question 9

In his essay, Gaski suggests a number of reasons why well-educated people might support minimum wage policies. Which of the following is NOT one of those reasons?

A) Politicians get votes from people who think bad policy is good policy
B) Some Democrat economists' inner struggle prompts them to change their understanding of minimum wage
C) Some Democrats spread misinformation about supply and demand that misinforms economists
D) Politicians wish to create a larger underclass because that is their most reliable source of votes

Question 10

Which author affirms, with John Rawls, that "people will often agree to terms that are in fact unjust" in his essay?

A) Mark Reiff
B) John Gaski

Question 11

In his reply, Reiff takes issue with Gaski's agreement with an idea in economics. What is it?

A) The principle of exchange
B) Wages fund theory
C) Market failure theory
D) Trickle-down economics

Question 12

In his reply, Gaski affirms: "The actual level of economic distress in America is much higher than advertised."

Question 13

Both Reiff and Gaski are proponents of what?

A) The free market
B) A living wage
C) The principle of exchange
D) Contractarianism