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The welfare-convergence dilemma: why social insurance is objectionable in the convergence conception of public justification

Chris Man-Kong Li & Baldwin Wong

Economics and Philosophy2025https://doi.org/10.1017/s0266267124000440article
AJG 2ABDC A
Weight
0.50

Abstract

Recently, convergence liberals, such as Kevin Vallier, argue that the principle of social insurance could be publicly justified. Our paper challenges this marriage of convergence liberalism and welfare state. We begin by examining Vallier’s three reasons for the principle of social insurance: risk aversion, injustice and the promotion of political trust. We then argue that all these reasons are intelligibly objectionable. After examining five possible responses that convergence liberals may offer, this paper concludes that the principle of social insurance is not conclusively justified in the convergence conception of public justification.

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https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1017/s0266267124000440

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@article{chris2025,
  title        = {{The welfare-convergence dilemma: why social insurance is objectionable in the convergence conception of public justification}},
  author       = {Chris Man-Kong Li & Baldwin Wong},
  journal      = {Economics and Philosophy},
  year         = {2025},
  doi          = {https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1017/s0266267124000440},
}

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The welfare-convergence dilemma: why social insurance is objectionable in the convergence conception of public justification

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Evidence weight

0.50

Balanced mode · F 0.40 / M 0.15 / V 0.05 / R 0.40

F · citation impact0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20
M · momentum0.50 × 0.15 = 0.07
V · venue signal0.50 × 0.05 = 0.03
R · text relevance †0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20

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