CURRENTLY:
According to The Sutton Trust, independent school pupils are more than twice as likely as pupils in comprehensive schools to be accepted into one of the 30 most highly selective universities.
Universities take into account academic ability, personal attributes, and social background when considering place offers.
Their societal belief that these statistics are caused by arbitrary factors rather than merit is very apparent.
RAWLS:
Rawls’ theory of justice aims to promote equality within society
Liberty Principle: Everyone should be entitled to the same basic liberties, chosen from under a veil of ignorance in the Original Position
Fair Equality of Opportunity Principle: Everyone should be open to the same opportunities should they have the same ability and motivation
Difference Principle: Inequality is just only if it benefits those who are worst-off in society, rather than further enhancing the lives of the already fortunate
NOZICK:
Entitlement theory: We are entitled to our holdings if we have acquired them through the principle of just acquisition, or have exchanged it with someone through the principle of justice in transfer
We are entitled to our talents and abilities, regardless of whether they have come about through circumstantial luck and social background.
Rawls is incorrect to suggest that we are not entitled to something if it merely came about through chance, because ultimately everything can be attributed to luck.
Inequalities are just if they come about through voluntary exchange, there should not be a limitation on freedom to satisfy the desire for equality
Thus, leniencies should not be made towards those who are disadvantaged to maintain equality, and university places should be awarded to those with the greatest academic ability.