On Justice: Philosophy, History, Foundations

Mathias Risse argues that the perennial quest for justice is about ensuring that each individual has an appropriate place in what our uniquely human capacities permit us to build, produce, and maintain, and is appropriately respected for the capacity to hold such a place. He investigates the role of political philosophers and offers a quasi-historical narrative about how the notion of distributive justice identifies a genuine human concern that arises independently of cultural context and has developed into the one we should adopt now.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 446 pages
\n Publication date: 10 September 2020
\n Publisher: Cambridge University Press
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Though much attention has been paid to different principles of justice, far less has been done reflecting on what the larger concern behind the notion is. In this work, Mathias Risse proposes that the perennial quest for justice is about ensuring that each individual has an appropriate place in what our uniquely human capacities permit us to build, produce, and maintain, and is appropriately respected for the capacity to hold such a place to begin with. Risse begins by investigating the role of political philosophers and exploring how to think about the global context where philosophical inquiry occurs. Next, he offers a quasi-historical narrative about how the notion of distributive justice identifies a genuinely human concern that arises independently of cultural context and has developed into the one we should adopt now. Finally, he investigates the core terms of this view, including stringency, moral value, ground, and duties of justice.

Distributive justice is a concept that has been the subject of much debate and discussion in political philosophy. It refers to the fair distribution of resources, opportunities, and benefits among individuals and groups in society. While there are many different interpretations of distributive justice, one common theme is that it is essential for promoting social equality and reducing inequality.

One of the key arguments in favor of distributive justice is that it is necessary to ensure that all individuals have access to the basic needs of life, such as food, shelter, and healthcare. This includes providing social safety nets and other forms of assistance to those who are unable to provide for themselves. Distributive justice also aims to ensure that individuals have equal opportunities to participate in society and achieve their full potential.

Another important aspect of distributive justice is the recognition of the diversity of human needs and interests. Different individuals and groups may have different needs and priorities, and it is important to ensure that these are taken into account when distributing resources and opportunities. This may involve providing targeted assistance to marginalized communities, such as women, minorities, and people with disabilities.

Distributive justice can take many different forms, depending on the context and the specific needs of the community. It may involve measures such as income redistribution, social welfare programs, and public education. However, it is important to note that distributive justice is not just about providing resources and opportunities; it is also about promoting social cohesion and stability.

One of the challenges of distributive justice is ensuring that it is implemented in a fair and equitable manner. This may involve challenging existing power structures and inequalities and promoting greater social mobility. It may also involve developing new policies and institutions that promote social equality and reduce inequality.

In conclusion, distributive justice is a critical concept in political philosophy that is essential for promoting social equality and reducing inequality. It is about ensuring that all individuals have access to the basic needs of life and equal opportunities to participate in society. While there are many different interpretations of distributive justice, one common theme is that it is necessary to promote social cohesion and stability and to ensure that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.

\n Weight: 746g\n
Dimension: 161 x 234 x 35 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781108481977\n \n