What’s More Important: Liberty or Equality?
The following response was written by Brice Petgen, a outstanding former student, now in graduate school. He was responding to my post, “Are You a Ant or a Grasshopper”.
I judge that his thoughts are worthy of your consideration.
V. Thomas Mawhinney, Ph.D., 2/2/2010
The following are Mr. Petgen’s words:
As I read the new parable I see it as so true. But I find myself asking a question. Which does our current society value more, liberty or equality? Do not misunderstand, I agree with EQUAL OPPORTUNITY with ever fiber of my being. But what I see occurring is the focus, in academia and in society as a whole, is there is now a focus on equal outcome. But I seem to remember learning in a history class long ago that the American Ideal is centered on liberty.
You see a free society is by definition unequal in outcomes. I work on a PhD in Counseling and another person sits around the house glued to the T.V. when not at work. I am free to work harder and make more than the couch potato. Hence inequality of outcome.
An equal outcome society by definition cannot be free. As I work harder to make more, more is taken from me and given to the couch potato. Hence I am not free to enjoy the fruits of my labor, essential in liberty.
So now I ask again, especially to all those “social justice” disciples, what is more important, liberty or equality?
As I compose my diatribe I am waiting for Bruno’s pizza and having fond memories of my classes and discussions with Dr. M. And if any IUSB faculty read this, thanks. You guys did a great job of educating and preparing me for Grad school.
