Equality and responsibility

This paper analyses the concept of responsibility and the way it appears in economic theory and in egalitarian theories of justice. It identifies two general principles (natural reward, and compensation) which inspire many arguments and axioms in theories based on responsibility. The main results obtained in models where responsibility plays a central part are summed up and presented in the light of the two principles. The main criteria put forth by philosophers who combine an egalitarian concern with the idea of personal responsibility are also mentioned, and their performance w.r.t. the two principles can be compared.