Deck 17: Stephen Kershnar and Kristina Meshelski, “Affirmative Action”

Question 1

In his essay, Stephen Kershnar defends the "mismatch thesis." In your essay, explain what Kershnar thinks this thesis implies about affirmative action. Then, consider why someone might be skeptical about either the mismatch thesis or the implication that Kershnar says it has for affirmative action.

Answer 1

Explain Kershnar's understanding that the mismatch thesis counts as a strike against affirmative action
Develop an argument against either the mismatch thesis, or against the way that Kershnar employs it when it comes to affirmative action cases

Question 2

In her essay, Kristina Meshelski takes issue with a pure meritocracy. Explain her reasons for this view, ultimately explaining why she holds that "being admitted to college or given a job is not a prize that distinguishes the person who is best at something." Do you agree that we function in a society that is not a pure meritocracy? Be sure to defend your view. Then, object to or defend the following claim: We ought to live in a purely meritocratic society.

Answer 2

Explain Meshelski's qualms with purely meritocratic societies
Defend the claim that we function in a society that is not a pure meritocracy. Or,
Defend the claim that we function in a society that is a pure meritocracy
Develop an argument in support of or in opposition to the claim: We ought to live in a purely meritocratic society

Question 3

Through Kristina Meshelski's essay and Stephen Kershnar's reply, it becomes clear that the two do not agree on how to categorize affirmative action as a form of procedural justice. In your essay, explain the nature of this disagreement, drawing from both authors' works. Then, offer an original example that helps to illustrate the central concept of procedural justice. Does this concept help to clarify what is at issue in the affirmative action debate?

Answer 3

Provide textual support for each author's claim(s) on whether affirmative action is a form of procedural justice
Offer an original example that helps to explain the concept of procedural justice
Explain whether the concept of procedural justice is a helpful one in the affirmative action debate

Question 4

In his essay, Kershnar argues that which compensatory principle is hard to apply in the context of affirmative action?

A) From the rich to the poor
B) Distributive justice
C) In-kind compensation
D) Make the person whole

Question 5

In his essay, Kershnar suggests that there is a more just and efficient form of compensation than affirmative action. What is it?

A) Money
B) Property
C) Inheritance
D) Food vouchers

Question 6

In his essay, Kershnar objects to the forward-looking argument on what basis?

A) Affirmative action is prima facie morally impermissible
B) It's difficult to tell whether there's been a failure to mitigate
C) The cost likely outweighs the benefit
D) The future should not weigh into ethical considerations

Question 7

In her essay, Meshelski says that College admissions or job search processes cannot be considered fair unless _____:

A) Anyone can get in
B) The applicants believe them to be fair
C) Their outcomes are also fair
D) The people in power are free of bad intent

Question 8

In her essay, Meshelski distinguishes between three types of procedural justice. Which of the following is NOT a type of procedural justice?

A) Pure
B) Impure
C) Perfect
D) Imperfect

Question 9

In her essay, Meshelski affirms that being admitted to college or given a job is not a prize, but rather _____:

A) A free pass
B) An obvious harm
C) A privilege
D) A valuable resource

Question 10

In his reply, Kershnar forwards a number of statements related to affirmative action. Which of the following statements is one that he agrees with?

A) Affirmative action succeeds in benefitting the groups it is trying to help
B) Differences in education, income, and wealth are certainly unfair
C) The risk of admitting or hiring less meritorious candidates is fairly low
D) Some procedures that distribute resources are unfair independent of their outcome

Question 11

In her reply, Meshelski argues that there are serious reasons to doubt which of the theses that Kershnar endorses?

A) The mismatch thesis
B) The procedural thesis
C) The meritocracy thesis
D) The forward-looking thesis

Question 12

In her essay, Meshelski states that "we must note that accepting a non-white applicant to a college only because of their race, the most talked-about and controversial kind of affirmative action, has a long history of being frequently and widely practiced."

Question 13

Through their works, it becomes clear that Meshelski and Kershnar agree that there are more effective ways to compensate for past wrongs than affirmative action.