political science

Utilitarian

Justice is achieved by maximizing overall happiness or well-being for the greatest number of people. pleasure over pain

Foreign Policy Realist

Justice in international relations prioritizes state survival, power, and national interest over moral ideals.

Meritocratic

Justice is based on rewarding individuals according to their abilities, efforts, and achievements.

Theological

Justice comes from following God’s rules. What’s right is what a religion’s holy book or leaders say is right.

Kantian

Justice is about following fair rules that make sense for everyone. Treat people with respect, not as tools, and stick to principles you’d want everyone to follow.

Liberal (Lockean)

Justice is protecting everyone’s basic rights—like life, freedom, and owning stuff. The government’s job is to make sure no one messes with those.

Liberal (Rawlsian)

Justice is about fairness. Imagine picking society’s rules without knowing if you’re rich or poor—choose what helps the worst-off people while keeping equal rights for all.

Classical Liberal (Capitalist)

Justice is letting people do what they want in a free market. If everyone trades and competes freely, things will work out fairly.

Critical Feminist

Justice means fixing unfair treatment of women. Break down systems that favor men so everyone gets an equal shot.

Critical Race

Justice is stopping racism baked into society. Fix laws and systems that hurt people of color and make up for past wrongs.

Communitarian

Justice is about what’s good for the whole community, not just individuals. We’re all in this together, so prioritize shared values and teamwork.

Republican (Rousseau)

Justice comes from everyone agreeing on what’s best for society. People vote and decide together, like a group project where everyone has a say.

Communist:

Justice is sharing everything equally—no rich, no poor. Get rid of private property so everyone gets what they need, not just what they can grab.

Proceduralist

Justice is about playing by fair rules. If the process for making decisions is open and honest, the outcome is legit.