Elizabeth Anderson: Must We Abandon the Idea of Equality?

The foundational American ideal that "all are created equal" remains a powerful, albeit constantly evolving, concept. Elizabeth Anderson, a philosopher, explains that the enduring purpose of equality is to foster societies as open experiments where every individual can participate. This ideal actively works against the concentration of power, wealth, and property in the hands of a select few.

Anderson emphasizes that a free society of equals is not a static achievement but a continuous project. She draws on the pragmatism of philosopher John Dewey, who believed that ideals are best tested and refined through the very act of living by them. By attempting to implement our ideals in daily life, we can observe the outcomes and determine their effectiveness as tools for solving societal problems.

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Then as now, the meaning of equality is to understand societies as an open experiment in which everyone can participate, so that power and wealth and property are no longer concentrated in the hands of a few. A free society of equals is an ideal that, however, always remains a construction site.

This perspective frames equality not as a rigid doctrine but as a dynamic instrument for social progress. The ongoing effort to live up to this ideal, Anderson suggests, is crucial for maintaining a just and participatory society. The process involves constant experimentation and adaptation, ensuring that the pursuit of equality remains relevant and functional in addressing contemporary challenges.

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Ideals are problem-solving instruments.