The welfare-convergence dilemma: why social insurance is objectionable in the convergence conception of public justification

Man-kong Li and Baldwin Wong

Economics and Philosophy, 2025, vol. 41, issue 3, 441-464

Abstract: Recently, convergence liberals, such as Kevin Vallier, argue that the principle of social insurance could be publicly justified. Our paper challenges this marriage of convergence liberalism and welfare state. We begin by examining Vallier’s three reasons for the principle of social insurance: risk aversion, injustice and the promotion of political trust. We then argue that all these reasons are intelligibly objectionable. After examining five possible responses that convergence liberals may offer, this paper concludes that the principle of social insurance is not conclusively justified in the convergence conception of public justification.

Date: 2025
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