On the Extension of Welfarism by Proceduralism – A Conceptual Analysis

Yves Meinard

Table of Contents

Abstract

An analysis of the notion of proceduralism shows that it is given two very different meanings in the literature. We establish a sufficient condition for these two meanings to become coherent with one another, based on a pragmatic approach to the notion of acceptability. We then argue that, if this sufficient condition is accepted, then any proceduralist attempt at overcoming welfarism must involve a method based on the formation of preferences.

Keywords

  • proceduralism
  • theory of justice
  • welfarism
  • political philosophy