Justice and Fairness

Flashcards on John Rawls, Justice, and Fairness.

Who is John Rawls?

An American political and ethical philosopher who sought to provide an alternative moral system to utilitarianism.

What is Utilitarianism?

The principle of achieving the greatest happiness for the greatest number, which Rawls critiques for not adequately protecting individual rights and justice.

How did the Vietnam conflict influence John Rawls?

He saw the Vietnam conflict as an unjust war and analyzed the problems within the American political system.

According to John Rawls, what does the stability of any society depend on?

The stability of any society depends on its members feeling they are treated justly.

What is Justice?

Giving each person what he or she deserves.

What has Justice usually been used in reference to?

A standard of rightness.

What is Fairness?

An ability to judge without reference to one's feelings or interests. Also, the ability to make judgments that are not overly general but concrete and specific to a particular case.

What is a key concept introduced in John Rawls's 'A Theory of Justice'?

Justice is fairness.

What is Political equality?

Individuals have equal participation and treatment in the political system.

What is economic equality?

Involves the equal distribution of income, wealth, and opportunity.

What are the Major Tenets of Distributive Justice according to Rawls?

Equality: Every member of society should have an equal share of resources or opportunities. Proportionality: Distribution should be based on relevant factors such as effort, need, or contribution. Fairness: The process and outcome of distribution should be fair and free from bias or discrimination.

What is capitalism?

A system characterized by the private ownership of the means of production and their operation for profit.

What is meant by wage labor in the context of a Capitalistic marketplace?

Workers sell their labor for wages.

What does capitalist justice argue?

Rewards should be allocated based on an individual's productivity, effort, or societal contribution.

What is socialist social justice?

The establishment of fair and equitable relations between individuals and society.

What principle of distribution is adhered to initially in Marx's ideology?

From each according to his ability, to each according to his contribution.

What is meant by the government as a provider?

A government is responsible for goods and services that individuals cannot provide for themselves.

What are the principles of taxation and inclusive growth?

Essentially people's investment in the government in exchange for a return on investment through appropriate and responsive basic public services.

According to the principle of Adequacy, what should taxes generate?

Taxes should generate just enough revenue to fund essential public services.

What is liberty (according to the context)?

The ability to do what one ought to desire within the constraints of the law, while also being free from coercion to do what one ought not to desire.

What is libertarianism?

From each as they choose, to each as they are chosen.

What is retributive justice?

Focuses on fair and just punishment for wrongdoing.

What is compensatory justice?

Involves fair compensation for injuries inflicted by others, proportional to the loss experienced.

What is restorative justice?

Aims to restore dignity to victims and reintegrate offenders as law-abiding citizens.