Justice in Contemporary Politics

Class Overview

• Course: Foundations of Contemporary Politics (POL10160)

• Instructor: Dr. Thomas Däubler

• Focus on normative theories of justice.

Key Concepts

• Justice Definition: Varies by context; involves impartial treatment and consistent application (Corpus Iuris Civilis).

Types of Justice

• Procedural Justice: Focuses on decision-making processes.

  • Non-arbitrariness; basic rights protections; social needs considerations; opportunities for participation.

• Distributive Justice: Concerns allocation and equality principles (outcomes, needs, contributions, treatment, opportunities).

Normative Theories of Justice

• John Rawls' Theory:

  • Introduced in A Theory of Justice (1971).

  • Utilizes a method starting from the 'original position' and the 'veil of ignorance'.

  • Principles of Justice:

  • Liberty principle: Equal claim to rights and liberties.

  • Fair opportunity principle: Inequalities must allow fair access to positions.

  • Difference principle: Inequalities should benefit the least-advantaged.

Further Questions of Justice

• Intergenerational justice

• Climate justice

• Global justice

Concluding Remarks

• Questions of justice lack simple answers; normative theories guide decisions on polity design and distribution of goods.