Justice - CF

Question 2

What is justice, according to John Rawls?

Answer 2

“Justice is the first virtue of social institutions, as truth is of systems of thought.”

Question 3

List the major dimensions of justice.

Answer 3

Moral foundation, equality/fairness, legal framework, social/distributive/retributive justice, human rights, global justice, philosophical discourse, dynamic evolution.

Question 4

What is distributive justice?

Answer 4

Fair allocation of resources, benefits, and burdens among all members of society.

Question 5

What are the criteria of distributive justice?

Answer 5

Equality, need, merit, contribution, desert, equality of opportunity, utilitarianism, libertarianism, communitarianism, Rawlsian fairness.

Question 6

Who advocates for needs-based justice?

Answer 6

Amartya Sen – focuses on capabilities and basic functionings.

Question 7

Who supports justice by merit?

Answer 7

Robert Nozick – rewards based on voluntary exchange and contribution.

Question 8

What is the ‘original position’ in Rawls’ theory?

Answer 8

A hypothetical scenario where individuals choose just principles behind a “veil of ignorance.”

Question 9

What are Rawls’ two principles of justice?

Answer 9

1. Equal basic liberties for all. 2. Social and economic inequalities must benefit the least advantaged (Difference Principle).

Question 10

What does the “veil of ignorance” ensure?

Answer 10

Fair and impartial decision-making, avoiding bias based on personal circumstances.

Question 11

What is the maximin rule?

Answer 11

Decision rule to maximize the minimum – benefit the least advantaged first.

Question 12

What does Michael Sandel criticize in Rawls’ theory?

Answer 12

Rawls assumes an atomistic self detached from community and identity.

Question 13

Charles Taylor’s critique?

Answer 13

Rawls underestimates how community values shape personal identity.

Question 14

Alasdair MacIntyre’s argument?

Answer 14

Justice should emerge from narrative histories and virtue ethics rooted in the community.

Question 15

Robert Nozick’s key critique of Rawls?

Answer 15

Redistribution violates individual property rights and liberty.

Question 16

What is Nozick’s entitlement theory?

Answer 16

Justice depends on fair acquisition, voluntary transfer, and rectification of injustices.

Question 17

Hayek’s criticism of Rawls?

Answer 17

Government planning for equality leads to inefficiency and loss of freedom.

Question 18

What does Susan Moller Okin say about Rawls’ theory?

Answer 18

It is gender-blind and fails to address unequal social roles and labor.

Question 19

Nancy Fraser’s argument?

Answer 19

Unpaid caregiving and reproductive labor must be included in justice frameworks.

Question 20

Kimberlé Crenshaw’s critique?

Answer 20

Rawls lacks intersectional analysis—fails to account for overlapping oppressions.

Question 21

What is the Marxist view on Rawls’ theory?

Answer 21

It’s reformist, operates within capitalism, ignores class struggle, and preserves inequality.

Question 22

What does C.B. Macpherson say about Rawls?

Answer 22

Rawls remains within the liberal tradition and doesn’t challenge structural inequalities.

Question 23

What is procedural justice?

Answer 23

Focus on fairness in the decision-making process (Tom R. Tyler’s contribution).

Question 24

What is substantive justice?

Answer 24

Focus on just outcomes and equitable results (Amartya Sen, Iris Young).

Question 25

What is reflective equilibrium?

Answer 25

A method where moral principles and intuitions are adjusted to achieve coherence (Rawls).

Question 26

Give examples of Rawls’ theory in practice.

Answer 26

Progressive taxation to uplift the poor, affirmative action for education/employment, public healthcare subsidies.

Question 27

Example of Nozick's critique in action?

Answer 27

Opposition to property tax or redistributive welfare programs.

Question 28

What does Rawls mean by 'fair equality of opportunity'?

Answer 28

Everyone should have the same chances to attain positions and offices, regardless of their background.

Question 29

How does Rawls propose achieving fair equality of opportunity?

Answer 29

Universal access to education, non-discriminatory employment, and equitable social services.

Question 30

Which thinker critiques systemic injustice in fair opportunity?

Answer 30

Iris Marion Young: “Systemic injustice requires systemic solutions.”

Question 31

What are the key criteria of distributive justice?

Answer 31

Equality, need, merit, contribution, desert, equality of opportunity, utilitarianism, libertarianism, communitarianism, Rawlsian fairness.

Question 32

What does Amartya Sen say about justice and need?

Answer 32

Justice involves poverty and basic capabilities to function in society.

Question 33

Ronald Dworkin’s view on desert?

Answer 33

“Equality of resources or welfare can be fair only if all are equally deserving.”

Question 34

Who developed the modern theory of procedural justice?

Answer 34

Tom R. Tyler.

Question 35

Key components of procedural justice?

Answer 35

Fair process, voice, neutrality, consistency, and transparency.

Question 36

Quote by Tyler on why process matters?

Answer 36

“People care not only about what they get, but also about how they are treated.”

Question 37

Duncan Kennedy’s critique?

Answer 37

Fair procedures can uphold unjust systems.

Question 38

Derrick Bell's point from Critical Race Theory?

Answer 38

Procedural justice may not address structural racism.

Question 39

Martha Minow’s critique?

Answer 39

Justice needs access, not just fair procedures.

Question 40

Define substantive justice.

Answer 40

Justice concerned with actual outcomes and equitable distribution of resources and dignity.

Question 41

How does Ambedkar define social justice?

Answer 41

Through annihilation of caste, reservations, education, representation, and conversion for dignity.

Question 42

What is Michael Sandel’s critique of Rawls?

Answer 42

Rawls assumes an abstract, individualistic self devoid of social context.

Question 43

Charles Taylor’s idea of identity?

Answer 43

“Our identity is dialogical, formed in interaction with community values.”

Question 44

Alasdair MacIntyre’s idea of justice?

Answer 44

Justice must reflect communal narratives and virtue ethics.

Question 45

Key Marxist critique of Rawls' Difference Principle?

Answer 45

It permits capitalist inequality and commodification of labor.

Question 46

What is Rawls’ oversight in global justice, according to Marxists?

Answer 46

He fails to address global class exploitation and capitalist imperialism.

Question 47

Susan Moller Okin’s argument on gender?

Answer 47

The veil of ignorance ignores systemic gender roles and inequalities.

Question 48

Nancy Fraser on invisible labor?

Answer 48

Justice must recognize unpaid care work as a central concern.

Question 49

What does Nozick argue in *Anarchy, State, and Utopia*?

Answer 49

Justice is about historical entitlement and voluntary transfer; redistribution violates rights.

Question 50

Contrast Rawls and Nozick on the role of the state.

Answer 50

Rawls supports state-led redistribution; Nozick favors a minimal state to protect property.

Question 51

Thomas Nagel on Rawls in global justice?

Answer 51

Rawls' domestic focus fails in addressing climate change and global inequality.

Question 52

Philip Pettit on Rawlsian revisions?

Answer 52

Rawls’ framework needs adaptation to multiculturalism and global diversity.

Question 53

2023 PYQ: What is the communitarian critique of the liberal self?

Answer 53

Rawls’ abstract individualism neglects identity, history, and communal values.

Question 54

2022 PYQ: Ambedkar vs Rawls on justice?

Answer 54

Ambedkar’s justice is egalitarian and socially embedded; Rawls’ is procedural and liberal.