Equality And Socail Justice In Liberalism

Question 1

Definitions of foundational equality, formal equality and equality of oppurtunity including John rawl .

Answer 1

Foundational equality - all individuals have equal moral worth
Formal equality - everyone has equal legal and political rights
Equality of opportunity- everyone deserves a fair start in society.

John rawl believes inequality is justifiable if it support the least advantaged, basically evening the playing field for the less fortunate even if it’s viewed as an advantage or unfair.

Betty Friedman argued for legal reform the remove restricting barriers to women’s equality.

Question 2

What are the classical and modern liberal views including contradiction and analysis.

Answer 2

Classical liberals only support formal equality.
They believe meritocracy (an individuals ability to preform and achieve) justifies inequality.

Modern liberals advocate for social justice ( fair distribution of wealth, opportunities and societal privileges regardless of background. )
Modern liberals support redistribution to create real fair opportunities.

However redistribution can clash with individual freedom as wealthy individuals may not be able to keep what they earn and it takes on another’s personal labour.

Enforcing equality may restrict personal choice and freedom, some people may lose power or position.

Question 3

Key terms and key points

Answer 3

key points
1-all liberals support equality ** in principle **
2-disagreement between liberals on which form of equality matters most.
3-modern liberals embrace structural reform, classical liberals prefer neutrality (where there is no favouritism by the state)

key terms
Foundational equality
Equality of opportunity
Meritocracy
Redistribution
Social justice