Three Dimensions of Justice

Distributive Justice:
Some Preliminary Thoughts
We need principles to distribute benefits and/or burdens when we have scarcity plus need or desire.
Different views of Need
Basic biological needs
Things we need to live a minimally decent life.
Things we need for human flourishing.

More Preliminary thoughts about DJ
Those who shoulder the burdens should share in the benefits. Those who benefit should share the burdens.
Should we restrict benefits and burdens to members of the community?
Yes because this is needed to preserve communities and humans need communities.
No, because we’re all moral equals.
Maybe, but when we’re dealing with needs, only when everyone has an equal opportunity to be a member.

Distributive Justice
Equality: Benefits and burdens should be distributed equally.
Understandings of Equality
Sameness
Equal opportunity
Contribution: Benefits and burdens should be distributed on the basis of one’s own contribution.
Contribution can be thought of as past actions or future potential.

Distributive Justice
Need: Benefits and burdens should be distributed on the basis of need and ability.
Market (Libertarianism): Basic liberty should be distributed equally, everything else by the market.

Distributive Justice
Rawls:
Everyone has a right to the most extensive liberty compatible with everyone else having a like amount.
Social inequalities are to be arranged so that
they are reasonably expected to be to everyone’s advantage,
attached to positions open to all.