Fairness — Why It Matters

Why is fairness important in society?

It maintains social stability, prevents revolution, and ensures people are treated with equal dignity and not discrimination.

What is distributive justice?

The study of how goods and resources are fairly distributed — considering what goods, between whom, and based on what measures (equality or equity).

What’s the difference between equality and equity?

• Equality: Everyone gets the same resources.

• Equity: Everyone gets what they need to achieve fair outcomes.

Example:

Giving every student the same textbook = equality;

giving extra help to struggling students = equity.

What is privilege in ethics?

The relative advantage of easily acquiring goods or avoiding harm.
changes by context and type of good (e.g., wealth, safety, education).

How does cultural relativism affect fairness?

What counts as fair can differ by culture — societies decide which traits are relevant or irrelevant for fair treatment.