Impartiality seems like a very beneficial and progressive concept. Theories such as democracy, egalitarianism, and socialism presuppose that everyone is as entitled as the next person to receive opportunities. No one should have an unfair advantage over others with respect to any public right. Yet we live in a partial world, a world where it is easy to proclaim fairness but practice selective generosity instead.

And what about those nearest and dearest to us, our family and friends? Do we have the moral right to treat them as well as we choose? The assignment of moral rights and responsibilities is more complicated than it would appear at first glance.