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Does altruism justify privileges?

Author

Listed:
  • Enrico Colombatto

  • Valerio Tavormina

Abstract

This article discusses whether altruism justifies ad-hoc legislation with reference to three different contexts. One is defined by the libertarian notion of liberty, a second framework corresponds to the egalitarian vision, and a third one originates from social-contract theory. It is shown that current legislation is rather ambiguous and sometimes even contradictory. By and large, the common-law view tends to favour the libertarian approach, while the civil-law visions are closer to what one might expect from social-contract theory, where the letter of the law is often questioned by the academic community and by the judiciary, and decisions eventually follow the judges' discretionary power.

Suggested Citation

  • Enrico Colombatto & Valerio Tavormina, 2015. "Does altruism justify privileges?," ICER Working Papers 01-2015, ICER - International Centre for Economic Research.
    • Handle: RePEc:icr:wpicer:01-2015
    as

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    File URL: http://www.bemservizi.unito.it/repec/icr/wp2015/ICERwp01-15/ICERwp01-15.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D64 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Altruism; Philanthropy; Intergenerational Transfers
    • K19 - Law and Economics - - Basic Areas of Law - - - Other
    • K39 - Law and Economics - - Other Substantive Areas of Law - - - Other

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