I argue that reparations for African Americans are justified because 1) the historical oppression suffered by the African American Community limits the possibility of equal participation of the community as a whole and individuals in the community to participate democratically in the political, social and economic life and 2) are necessary to bring about a society which fosters equal participation in the political, social and economic systems. My idea of democratic participation in the political, social and economic life comes from the discourse ethics of Habermas and I will argue that his derivation of a discourse ethic from a communicative ideal can be used in the discussion of reparations. I use Habermas's discourse ethics for two purposes for my thesis. I use it to set a standard for justice to see what was lost during the injustice; in this case, the ability for democratic participation in public life. I also use it to argue that the outcome of a reparations regime which would be a just society in which all members participate in public life democratically.
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