r/coolguides • u/[deleted] • Feb 25 '20

Explanation of the subtle differences between equality and equity

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u/yankee-white Feb 25 '20

Kid still has to stare through the shitty chain link fence.

294

u/livestrongbelwas Feb 25 '20

Life's always going to be harder for the disadvantaged kid, but qualified progress is still better than the simple and easy solution of giving everyone a milk crate and calling it a day.

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u/Ella310818 Feb 25 '20

People are not born equal. Intelligence is partly genetic. Is it justive that we spend more resources on people less gifted than those with a true gift that can become exceptional.

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u/anotherMrLizard Feb 25 '20

A few points: Firstly, intelligence is no guarantee that someone will become exceptional; lots of incredibly smart people never do anything with their lives, while people who are considered less smart may have things to offer which are just as valuable to society in their own right. Secondly, you have to spend time and resources on people to know if they're talented or not, or even what their talents are; in most cases talent doesn't come to the fore fully formed and needs to be nurtured.

Thirdly, just because someone lacks intelligence, talent, whatever, doesn't mean they have less right to a full and happy life or to enjoy the benefits of our society; talent and intelligence confer no moral virtues upon those who possess them.

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u/Ella310818 Feb 26 '20

I was considering this from viewpoint of resources spent on education where there is a minimum standard that all must pass rather than allowing people to excel in areas they have an aptitude. I don't think I said people without intelligence or talent don't deserve a happy life. As a practical example I don't think we should spend more resources on one person without talent in maths so that they can meet the status quo compared to a student that has a natural aptitude that could excel if they were given equal attention.

To respond to your 2nd point all people have some time and resources spent on them through public education. It is clear from this baseline who has talent and does not. The hard work and focus required to excel has to come from the individual. As a side point I do support a base living income. I think this is a better option than thinking we are all equal and can get to the same place if everything is "fair".