Ethics and economics of poor relief
Citation:
Finlay, T.A. 'Ethics and economics of poor relief'. - Dublin: Journal of the Statistical and Social Inquiry Society of Ireland,Vol. XII Part LXXXVII, 1906/1907, pp43-51Download Item:
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Abstract:
What is the basis of the claim of the poor to relief at the
cost of the well-to-do members of the community ? What is
the extent of those claims, that is to say, what measure of relief
are the poor warranted in claiming ? In what way does the
nature of these claims indicate the manner in which the
obligations of the community towards the poor among its
members are to be discharged?
Discussing these questions we shall obtain a general view
of a problem which present-day conditions have made urgent,
and we may be able to reach some conclusions which will
assist us in appraising the findings of the Commission and
realising more fully their significance.
To begin with the first question I have suggested, it must be
counted remarkable that we find in the literature of Political
Philosophy, so few attempts at a reasoned account of the
State's duties to the poor. It seems to be taken for granted?
at least by the modern writers who have recognised such duties
?that the State has an obvious obligation to relieve needy
members of the community in their distress. But what, we
may ask, is the basis of this obligation ?
Description:
Read Friday, January 25th, 1907
Author: Finlay, T.A.
Publisher:
Statistical and Social Inquiry Society of IrelandType of material:
Journal articleCollections:
Series/Report no:
Journal of The Statistical and Social Inquiry Society of IrelandVol. XII Part LXXXVII 1906/1907
Availability:
Full text availableKeywords:
Poor Law, Ireland, Redistributive justice, Social WelfareISSN:
00814776Licences: