CAN WE JUSTIFY THE WELFARE STATE IN AN AGE OF GLOBALIZATION? TOWARD COMPLEX BORDERS

Abstract

Many political philosophers take it for granted that we have special obligations to compatriots. They do not deny that we have negative duties towards strangers as well as our compatriots. Our moral duties not to kill others, not to deceive others, and not to harm others are duties to everyone, that is, they are general and not special duties. Meanwhile, they suppose that our positive duties to aid others are special duties. We must give priority to our compatriots when we aid others. Our first responsibility is to the poor, the hungry and the homeless citizens of our own country.