Economic Incentives and Liberal Equality

In order to assess to the degree to which the provision of economic incentives can result in justified inequalities, we need to distinguish between compensatory incentive payments and non-compensatory incentive payments. From a liberal egalitarian perspective, economic inequalities traceable to the provision of compensatory incentive payments are generally justifiable. However, economic inequalities created by the provision of non-compensatory incentive payments are more problematic. I argue that in non-ideal circumstances justice may permit and even require the provision of non-compensatory incentives despite the fact that those who receive non-compensatory payments are not entitled to them. In some circumstances, justice may require us to accede to unreasonable demands for incentive payments by hard bargainers. This leads to a kind of paradox: from a systemic point of view, non-compensatory incentive payments can be justified even though those who receive them have no just claim to them

If You’re A Libertarian, How Come You’re So Rich?

This article examines the bearing of political philosophy on one’s personal behaviour. I review the ‘rich egalitarian problem’ posed by G.A. Cohen and consider a variant of this problem called the ‘rich socialist problem’. I argue that once we adopt a nuanced view of what adequate fidelity to one’s political principles requires there is a satisfactory solution to the rich socialist problem. Finally, focusing on Robert Nozick’s highly influential historical entitlement theory, I explain the ‘rich libertarian problem’ and explain why, perhaps somewhat surprisingly, it is more intractable than the rich socialist problem. Cet article analyse l’importance de la philosophie politique pour le comportement personnel. Je passe en revue ‘le problème de l’égalitarien riche’ posé par G.A. Cohen et considère un problème analogue ‘le problème du socialiste riche’. Je maintiens que dès que nous adoptons un point de vue nuancé sur ce que requiert la fidélité à des principes politiques, il y a une solution satisfaisante au problème du socialiste riche. Enfin, me tournant vers la théorie très influente de Robert Nozick sur l’habilitation (‘entitlement’) historique, je pose ‘le problème du libertarien riche’ et j’explique pourquoi, étonnamment, c’est un problème plus difficile à résoudre que celui du socialiste riche

Evaluating student use of Duolingo, an online self-study platform

As computer-assisted language learning tools become more commonplace, it is important to understand whether such tools are actually effective. It is tempting to adopt new technology, but it is vital that its effectiveness is evaluated. This study aims to assess how students used the mobile application Duolingo when delivered using the Duolingo for Schools platform. It was found that these tools offer teachers numerous benefits, whilst also being an engaging method of study for students. The platform provides useful insights into how students study and it is proposed that Duolingo could form part of a blended course utilizing face-to-face classes and online study, particularly in first year university English classes

The Liberal Theory of Freedom of Expression for Children

This Article develops a liberal theory of freedom of expression which is sensitive to the interests of children as distinct, vulnerable but developing members of society. I argue that children have, in addition to welfare interests, interests in the development and exercise of basic moral powers. In virtue of such interests, children acquire, well before they become adults, nontrivial rights of free expression. Respecting children\u27s rights to free expression entails limits on the prerogatives of parents and others to determine the sorts of cultural materials children should be permitted access. Nonetheless children\u27s rights are importantly different from those of adults. Children can be insulated not only from manifestly harmful cultural materials but also from some materials that are age inappropriate (but not harmful) and from some materials that parents find offensive. The author explains how considerations of parental authority, children\u27s welfare, children\u27s rights of free expression, and adults\u27 rights of free ex- pression can be coherently integrated without circumscribing the legitimate rights of adults or exposing children to objectionable cultural materials. The liberal theory the author defends provides an alternative to Amitai Etzioni\u27s communitarian analysis of the potential threats to children posed by free speech

The Liberal Theory of Freedom of Expression for Children

This Article develops a liberal theory of freedom of expression which is sensitive to the interests of children as distinct, vulnerable but developing members of society. I argue that children have, in addition to welfare interests, interests in the development and exercise of basic moral powers. In virtue of such interests, children acquire, well before they become adults, nontrivial rights of free expression. Respecting children\u27s rights to free expression entails limits on the prerogatives of parents and others to determine the sorts of cultural materials children should be permitted access. Nonetheless children\u27s rights are importantly different from those of adults. Children can be insulated not only from manifestly harmful cultural materials but also from some materials that are age inappropriate (but not harmful) and from some materials that parents find offensive. The author explains how considerations of parental authority, children\u27s welfare, children\u27s rights of free expression, and adults\u27 rights of free ex- pression can be coherently integrated without circumscribing the legitimate rights of adults or exposing children to objectionable cultural materials. The liberal theory the author defends provides an alternative to Amitai Etzioni\u27s communitarian analysis of the potential threats to children posed by free speech

The Hidden Effects of Parasites in a Changing Ocean

Trematode parasites are a fascinating group of species which occur in almost all types of marine habitat and infect many ecologically and commercially important marine organisms. They possess complex life histories that involve multiple host species, often radically change morphology as they move between hosts, and can dramatically alter the performance of infected organisms.As with all marine organisms, trematodes are affected by human-mediated changes to the global oceans – for example, warmer temperatures, less available oxygen, increased seawater acidity.Of course, given the complex nature of host–parasite interactions, the effects of such changes to the marine environment could have equally complex consequences for disease dynamics. The potential for such substantial change to the role of trematode parasites caused by a changing marine environment can best be understood by following a single parasite species through a complete life cycle