Sher, George2019-05-162019-05-162017-082017-08-10August 201Hupfer, Elizabeth C. "Global Distributive Justice: A Structural Approach." (2017) Diss., Rice University. <a href="https://hdl.handle.net/1911/105526">https://hdl.handle.net/1911/105526</a>.https://hdl.handle.net/1911/105526Historically the study of distributive justice—or who is owed fair distributions of benefits—focused on distributions to citizens within nations, but I analyze arguments in favor of distributive justice between nations. I begin by formulating a basic theory of distributive justice which I call “structuralism” in which existing structures in our nonideal world inform the scope of distributive justice. I take there to be two approaches to structuralism: the coercive and the cooperative approach. I reason that the coercive approach (which argues that the scope of distributive justice is determined by the extent of existing coercive systems) does not expand the scope of distributive justice outside of national borders. However, due to objections facing any version of a coercive approach, a cooperative approach (which argues that the scope of distributive justice is determined by the extent of existing economic cooperation) is a superior theory. I conclude that the existence of globalized trade extends the scope of distributive justice to include justice between nations. Finally, I argue that my theory of distributive justice must be supplemented by a humanitarian theory based on beneficence that encapsulates all individuals in need.application/pdfengCopyright is held by the author, unless otherwise indicated. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.Distributive justicecooperationcoercionglobal distributive justiceThesis2019-05-16