The Obligation to Contribute to Discretionary Public Goods

The principle of fairness, first introduced by H. L. A. Hart in 1955, is able to support a workable theory of political obligation upon liberal premises. In a previous paper, 'Presumptive benefit, fairness, and political obligation', I argued that the principle can establish general obligations to cooperate in the provision of 'presumptive public goods' (that is, public goods that are indispensable to the typical member of society). Because a wider range of governmental services is necessary for the provision of presumptive goods, the principle also supports obligations to support 'discretionary public goods' (goods that are desirable but not indispensable). The 'indirect argument' developed in this paper counters the criticisms of my previous paper presented by A. John Simmons in 'The anarchist position: a reply to Klosko and Senor'.     

The Future in Angola

Mr. Martelli, who was until recently special correspondent for"The Daily Telegraph" in the Congo and Angola, gave the addressthat follows to a joint meeting of the Royal African Societyand the Royal Commonwealth Society on June 7, 1962. The Earlof Listowel G.C.M.G., took the chair     

THE STICK, THE CARROT, AND OTHER STRATEGIES: A Theoretical Analysis of Governmental Intervention

This article considers four strategies that a government agency might use to change the behavior of individuals: (1) informing target individuals of benefits; (2) facilitating the change for individuals; (3) requiring such change, with penalties for noncompliance; and (4) making the change more attractive. Two complementary theoretical perspectives—learning theory (Skinner) and utility theory (Schultze) —are used to analyze the strategies. Information and facilitation work best on "motivated" people. Regulation works best for strongly desired, discrete, detectable goals achievable in few ways; but it requires much monitoring and may promote undesired reactions. Incentives are the basis of the most reliable, efficient strategies, especially if the change is continuous, detectable, and achievable in many ways.     

Race and Opportunity in South Africa Today

Mr. George Golding, who is President of the South African ColouredPeople's Association and a well-known educationist, gave theaddress that follows to a joint meeting of the Royal AfricanSociety and the Royal Commonwealth Society on July 12, 1962.Lord Fraser of Lonsdale, CH., C.B.E., a member of the LondonCommittee of the South Africa Foundation, took the chair