Question

The government has just announced that because of a large deficit (caused by the previous administration, of course), taxes must be raised by 20%.  Using one of the philosophers we have seen, explain whether or not this would be just, within the authority of the government, and if you, as a citizen, should pay it.​

Answer 1

The correct answer to this open question is the following.

Although the question is incomplete because it does not include the name of the philosophers seen in class, we can comment on the following.

Of course, it would be unjust and arbitrary trying to impose a rise of 20% in taxes. If the previous administration made mistakes or had corruption acts, then the new administration has to ask the justice department to start an investigation and press charges.

But making the citizens pay for the mistakes of previous administrations is not the smartest decision and only would generate the unconformity and animosity of the citizens.

Yes, the government has the authority to increase taxes moderately and with the right justification. But it does not have the right to hurt common people's personal finances.