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"In Favor of Universal Health Care"


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1 CUNY College of Staten Island, Brooklyn, New York, United States
     

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The debate concerning universal health care is a relatively new phenomenon and a feature of modernity, but it is still unsure whether it is a right or a luxury. Additionally, the most powerful and affluent nations even question if universal health care is compatible with the democratic foundations on which they rest. First, from a Kantian and Hohfeldian perspective, this piece will outline the difference between a right and a privilege. Following that, there will be Hohfeldian and Kantian arguments suggesting health care is an entitlement of all and not a luxury. Afterwards, this piece will explore how universal health care is compatible with the principles of democracy through the classical liberal and proto-libertarian lens of J.S. Mill. Next, through the lens of political scientist Marie Gottschalk, there will be a description of the economic issues faced by businesses and individuals in states which do not embrace universal health care. Finally, by applying Kant's, Hohfeld's, Mill's, and Gottschalk's views concerning this topic, this piece will conclude with suggestions supporting the democratic and economic move toward comprehensive health care.

Keywords

Political Philosophy, Rights, Privileges, Kant, Hohfeld, Mill, Gottschalk, Universal Health Care.
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  • Gottschalk, Marie (2007). “The Health of a Nation: Labor, Business, and Health Care Reform” New Labor Forum Vol. 16 No. 1 (Winter 2007). 8-20

  • Hohfeld, W. N. (2016). Fundamental Legal Conceptions as Applied in Judicial Reasoning. New York, USA: Routledge. 1-132

  • Kant, I. (1997). Foundations of the Metaphysics of Morals. New Jersey, USA: Prentice Hall, INC. 3-90

  • Kant, I. (1970). The Metaphysical Elements of the Theory of Right as found in Kant: The Political Writings. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. 131-174

  • Mill, J.S. (1998). Chapters on Socialism as found in Principles of Political Economy. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press. 369-437

  • Mill, J.S. (1956). On Liberty. Indianapolis, USA: Bobbs-Merrill Educational Publishing. 3-141

  • Mill, J.S. (2002). Utilitarianism. Indianapolis, USA: Hackett Publishing Co. 1-88


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  • "In Favor of Universal Health Care"

Abstract Views: 221  |  PDF Views: 1

Authors

Rocco Angelo Astore
CUNY College of Staten Island, Brooklyn, New York, United States

Abstract


The debate concerning universal health care is a relatively new phenomenon and a feature of modernity, but it is still unsure whether it is a right or a luxury. Additionally, the most powerful and affluent nations even question if universal health care is compatible with the democratic foundations on which they rest. First, from a Kantian and Hohfeldian perspective, this piece will outline the difference between a right and a privilege. Following that, there will be Hohfeldian and Kantian arguments suggesting health care is an entitlement of all and not a luxury. Afterwards, this piece will explore how universal health care is compatible with the principles of democracy through the classical liberal and proto-libertarian lens of J.S. Mill. Next, through the lens of political scientist Marie Gottschalk, there will be a description of the economic issues faced by businesses and individuals in states which do not embrace universal health care. Finally, by applying Kant's, Hohfeld's, Mill's, and Gottschalk's views concerning this topic, this piece will conclude with suggestions supporting the democratic and economic move toward comprehensive health care.

Keywords


Political Philosophy, Rights, Privileges, Kant, Hohfeld, Mill, Gottschalk, Universal Health Care.

References