Theories of Justice

EDU250 bullet notes

Plato

• everyone performs the role they are best suited for based on their strengths

• ex. separating classes in 6th grade with the more advanced kids

Aristotle

• justice is fairness, not equality

• equals are treated equally, but unequals were treated unequally based on their merit, NOT EQUITY

• ex. a student who studies hard might JUSTLY earn a higher grade

Rawls

• justice as fairness

• veil of ignorance - designing society without knowing ur place in it, removes bias

Nozick

• Libertarian Justice

• justice is respecting individual rights and voluntary exchanges

• supports school choice, vouchers, and homeschooling

• minimal gov't involvement

Iris Marion Young

• Justice as structural inclusion

• justice is not about distribution, but about ending oppression and domination

• schools may address systemic inequities, not js offer equal materials

Martha Nussbaum

• Capabilities Approach to justice

• Justice should focus on what individuals are actually able to do and to be

• schools should develop students' full potential beyond test scores

• encourages inclusive practices for emotional, social, and creative growth

Amartya Sen

• Freedom and Capabilities in justice

• justice should be measured by real freedoms and opportunities, not theoretical fairness

• focus on equity of opportunity, not just equality of input; same textbooks does NOT equal same learning