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Baseline Sensitivity

Why It Matters

Without specifying the baseline, "fairness" is undefined. Is it fair that you earn more than me? Compared to equal earnings (no), compared to unequal contribution (maybe), compared to your previous poverty (yes). The baseline determines the evaluation.

The Key Move

For any distributive claim, ask: What's the implicit comparison point? Equal starting position? Status quo? Historical baseline before injustice? Hypothetical fair distribution? Make this explicit and check if disagreement is about outcomes or baselines.

Classic Application

Rawlsian difference principle evaluates distributions against baseline of equal shares - inequalities permitted only if they benefit the worst-off compared to equality. Nozickian entitlement theory uses historical baseline - current holdings are just if justly acquired or transferred, regardless of resulting pattern.

Surprising Application

Software licensing models. Is GPL "unfair" because it restricts what you can do with derived code? Depends on baseline: compared to proprietary code (more freedom), compared to MIT license (less freedom), compared to code not existing (pure gain). Disagreements often stem from different implicit baselines.

Failure Modes

  • Assuming there's a "natural" baseline when all baselines are normative choices
  • Comparing distributions to ideal baselines that were never realistic alternatives
  • Ignoring that the relevant baseline may shift over time
  • Treating status quo as normatively privileged without justification

Go Deeper

Nozick, "Anarchy, State, and Utopia" on historical vs. patterned principles; Cohen, "Rescuing Justice and Equality" on constructing baselines.