Philosophers disagree about what makes a society just or unjust. Is it a matter of freedom, equality, status, resources, happiness, opportunities, dignity, recognition…?
Here is one “hot” question about characterizing social justice:
What makes anyone deserve help and support from the more advantaged members of society? A low level of income and wealth, a disadvantaged background, a low level of happiness, a bad health, a subordinated social status?
For instance, some people are economically poor but quite satisfied with their life and cheerful, whereas some reasonably wealthy people feel miserable (the overstressed trader, the divorced parent…). Some people are very healthy but poor, whereas others are successful but are burdened with sickness or disability. Of course, the most disadvantaged people are those who combine all the ills of life: poverty, sickness, loneliness, insecurity… But many people are disadvantaged in some aspects and fine in the other aspects of their life.
How should we weigh the various aspects of people’s situations to assess if they deserve some help more than others, or, on the advantaged side, if they should contribute more than others to help the less advantaged?
Bring your voice to this forum and share your own perspective on social justice!
Philosophers disagree about what makes a society just or unjust. Is it a matter of freedom, equality, status, resources, happiness, opportunities, dignity, recognition…?
Here is one “hot” question about characterizing social justice:
For instance, some people are economically poor but quite satisfied with their life and cheerful, whereas some reasonably wealthy people feel miserable (the overstressed trader, the divorced parent…). Some people are very healthy but poor, whereas others are successful but are burdened with sickness or disability. Of course, the most disadvantaged people are those who combine all the ills of life: poverty, sickness, loneliness, insecurity… But many people are disadvantaged in some aspects and fine in the other aspects of their life.
How should we weigh the various aspects of people’s situations to assess if they deserve some help more than others, or, on the advantaged side, if they should contribute more than others to help the less advantaged?
Bring your voice to this forum and share your own perspective on social justice!