A coal producer in West Virginia pays its Chief Executive Officer more than 100 times the amount that it pays a typical coal miner. The CEO works in an air-conditioned office that overlooks a majestic river. The CEO also travels frequently on business to Europe in a private jet. The coal miners, in contrast, work arduous hours, expend substantial physical effort, and are subject to a meaningful risk of coal-related diseases and premature death.
a. From the perspective of Rawls' theory of justice, is the compensation scheme fair? Why or why not?
b. This same company pays its accounting staff members 30% less than the coal miners earn, on average. Most of the accounting staff members attended college, while most of the coal miners did not. From the perspective of Rawls' theory of justice, is the compensation scheme fair?