EP7: Should We Support Affirmative Action? (On Pojman’s Case Against Affirmative Action)
Sep 9, 2023
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Exploring the aftermath of the Supreme Court's decision on affirmative action in higher education, debating Pojman's arguments against it. Discussing the preference for class-based affirmative action over race-based approaches. Delving into the need for broader societal reform and the impact of role models on personal development.
Affirmative action poses challenges for left-wing politics due to debate on its effectiveness in addressing systemic inequality.
Affirmative action critics question the moral basis of compensating for historical injustices and suggest alternative equality approaches.
The focus on meritocracy in elite institutions may hinder societal progress, advocating for broader education access and redefining success.
Deep dives
The Role of Affirmative Action in Higher Education
The podcast episode focuses on the June Supreme Court decision striking down affirmative action in higher education. Chief Justice John Roberts argues that race-based affirmative action violates the Constitution and suggests that individuals should be treated based on their experiences as individuals rather than on the basis of race.
Thoughts on Affirmative Action
The podcast features a discussion among the participants about their personal thoughts on affirmative action. One participant expresses a lack of inspiration and dissatisfaction with affirmative action, viewing it as a form of reformism that fails to challenge the larger structure of meritocracy. Another participant suggests that while they do not have moral opposition to affirmative action, they are unimpressed with its limited impact on society and propose alternative approaches to address racial and economic disparities.
The Role of Role Models
The participants discuss the importance of role models and the impact of affirmative action in providing representation. While one participant argues that role models should not be limited to one's own racial or gender identity, others highlight the positive impact of having role models who share similar backgrounds and experiences. They emphasize the importance of having diversity in influential positions to inspire and empower individuals from marginalized communities.
Arguments Against Affirmative Action
One argument presented in the podcast is against affirmative action as a form of compensation for historical wrongs. The participants debate the responsibility of individuals to compensate for past injustices and whether innocent beneficiaries of past discrimination should be held accountable. The conversation also touches upon the potential drawbacks and limitations of affirmative action programs, and raises questions about alternative approaches to address systemic inequality.
Affirmative Action and Meritocracy
The podcast discusses the debate around affirmative action and meritocracy. While some argue that there may be inherent differences in intellectual abilities between racial groups, others highlight the importance of equal opportunity and leveling the playing field. The podcast explores the idea that the focus should shift from a narrow emphasis on elite institutions to broader access to education for all. Additionally, it questions the reliance on IQ tests as the sole measure of individual merit and highlights the socially constructed nature of intelligence and success. The overall argument is that the left should prioritize creating a more equitable society by challenging the notion of a meritocracy and redefining success and societal contributions.
Critiques and Alternative Approaches
The podcast presents critiques of affirmative action, including concerns over arbitrary unfairness and the potential for racial resentment. It suggests that a focus on helping those in need, rather than narrowly defining aid based on race, may be a more effective approach. The discussion also raises the question of whether education should be a site of social engineering or a level playing field accessible to all. The importance of recognizing the value of all professions and promoting diversity of viewpoints is emphasized. Lastly, the podcast argues for a shift away from a deontological view of individual merit and towards a societal recognition of the contributions made by individuals in various fields.
In June 2023, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that “Harvard’s and UNC’s admissions programs violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment”. This effectively ended race-based affirmative action in higher education in the United States. This led us to ask, is this outcome a disaster for left-wing politics?
On this episode, we read Louis Pojman’s 1998 article, “The Case Against Affirmative Action“. We debate whether any of his arguments against the practice of affirmative action have any merit from the perspective of left politics. We also consider whether class-based affirmative action is preferable.
We also mention the Daily Nous’ sum up of the Supreme Court decision. You can find that here.
