I've just been reading an article about division problems, and it has a definition of what constitutes "fair". A fair division is envy-free, equitable and efficient. What does this mean?
"envy-free" means each person likes their share more than any of the others.
"equitable" means that everyone gets the same "utiltiy", however this is based on their subjective valuations, not an external one.
"efficient" means there is no way to make one person happier without making another person less happy. If there is a way two parties could trade some of their share and both would be happier, the division is inefficient.
So there you are, it seems you can talk about things being "fair" without it being a moral judgement after all.
Original article here, for those who are interested.
Math Shall Set You Free
"envy-free" means each person likes their share more than any of the others.
"equitable" means that everyone gets the same "utiltiy", however this is based on their subjective valuations, not an external one.
"efficient" means there is no way to make one person happier without making another person less happy. If there is a way two parties could trade some of their share and both would be happier, the division is inefficient.
So there you are, it seems you can talk about things being "fair" without it being a moral judgement after all.
Original article here, for those who are interested.
Math Shall Set You Free
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