Progressive Inclusion and the Basis of Equality. A Puzzle in Contemporary Egalitarianism

A standard account of collective moral progress understands it as a progressive inclusion of previously discriminated entities in the realm of equal moral consideration. Against this background, this article puts in question the idea that claims for inclusion go hand in hand with claims for equal inclusion. First, it provides an outline of the difference between the logic of inclusion and the logic of equality. From this difference, diverging justificatory and normative implications follow. Second, by analyzing the problem of the basis of equality in Taylor’s, Regan’s and Cochrane’s theories, the article aims to reconstruct the tensions between the need for inclusion of as many (sentient)entities as possible and the need for a proper ground of equality. Finally, the article also provides some constructive considerations as to the form that a theory should have in order to appropriately ground equality and normatively respond to it.