The Four Faces of Affirmative Action: Analysis and Answers

Abstract

This article addresses the confusion and controversy surrounding the justifications for affirmative action. From a position favorable to affirmative action, the article organizes the constitutional and legal arguments for affirmative action according to four modes of thought derived from philosophy. Two of the modes—logistic and problematic—rely on causal links to harms in the past to support affirmative action. Two other modes—dialectic and operational—promote a forward-looking justification based on diversity and the needs of social justice. The arguments are thus clarified, and the direction of affirmative action is pointed toward future-oriented solutions.