Final answer:
Nozick and Aristotle would support b. distributing high-quality violins based on merit and individual contribution, as this aligns with Nozick's emphasis on entitlement and Aristotle's virtue ethics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks which method of distributing high-quality violins would be preferred by Nozick and Aristotle, reflecting their views on distributive justice. Nozick's libertarian principles of justice emphasize entitlement to possessions based on individual rights and acquisitions without infringing on others. Therefore, Nozick would likely advocate for distribution based on merit and individual contribution, as individuals are entitled to the fruits of their efforts. Aristotle's view on distributive justice aligns with virtue ethics, where moral character is a basis for deserving. This suggests a system whereby violins are distributed based on merit, ensuring that those who have developed the skill and virtues associated with music receive the instruments. So, the answer that best reflects the views of Nozick and Aristotle would be (b) Distribution based on merit and individual contribution.
Nozick's principle of distributive justice, known as the Difference Principle, suggests that resources should be distributed in a way that rewards socially useful activities while also benefiting the least well off. This would mean that individuals who contribute more to society, such as talented musicians, would be entitled to a greater share of high-quality violins. Aristotle's theory of desert-based principles, which emphasizes moral character as the basis for economic distribution, would also support a merit-based distribution of violins.