The Ethics of Discrimination

Equality and Affirmative Action

What is ethical? How do we deal with injustices past discrimination?

Affirmative Action

is meant to make up for or eliminate discrimination based on race, gender and ethnicity, which has resulted in unwarranted mistreatment.

• affirmative action seeks to realize the ideal of equality and respect in areas of employment and education by providing equal opportunities for all people.

Discrimination

unfavorable treatment of people on irrelevant grounds

Race

Gender Physical Ability

Sexual Orientation Age

Weak Affirmative Action

is generally not controversial

it uses policies to ensure equal opportunity

without demanding that one group be preferred over another.

Strong Affirmative Action

is controversial because it makes use of gender and minority preferences.

• preferences are needed to compensate certain groups for past mistreatments and injustices

• to level the playing field minorities and women need to be given an edge in the competition for jobs and educational admissions

Cases to Consider

Racial Preferences for Whites?

Are Racial Preferences Harmful?

Diversity in Undergraduate Admissions