4. Approaches to Moral Evaluation 2/2

Justice and fairness examine how benefits, opportunities, costs and burdens are distributed among people.

The central question is:

1. Distributive justice: fair distribution of benefits and burdens.

2. Retributive justice: fair punishment for wrongdoing.

3. Compensatory justice: fair compensation for harm or loss.

Distributive justice asks how limited benefits and unwanted burdens should be shared.

Its basic principle is:

Egalitarianism argues that people should receive equal shares because all human beings are equal.

Criticism: Equal distribution may ignore important differences in need, effort, ability or contribution.

Benefits should be distributed according to a person’s contribution.

Contribution may be measured through:

• effort;

• productivity;

• skills;

• market value;

• supply and demand.

People contribute according to their abilities and receive according to their needs.

Criticism: This may reduce motivation and may limit individual freedom.

A distribution is just when it results from people’s free choices and voluntary exchanges.

The government should not force one person to give resources to another.

Imagine choosing society’s rules without knowing:

• whether you will be rich or poor;

• healthy or ill;

• powerful or disadvantaged;

• talented or less talented.

Because you do not know your future position, you are more likely to choose fair rules.

Every person should have the same basic freedoms, as long as these freedoms are compatible with equal freedom for others.

Examples include:

• freedom of speech; voting rights; personal property; protection from arbitrary arrest.

Social and economic inequalities are acceptable only when they improve the position of the least advantaged members of society.

Inequality is not automatically unjust, but it must also benefit those in the weakest position.

Important jobs and positions must be genuinely open to everyone under fair conditions.

People should have a fair chance to qualify, regardless of their family or social background.

Punishment is just when:

1. the person acted knowingly and freely;

2. there is reliable evidence that the person did wrong;

3. the punishment is consistent and proportionate to the wrongdoing.

Compensatory justice requires restoring what a person lost because they were wronged.

Examples include:

• financial compensation;

• replacing damaged property;

• paying medical costs;

• correcting unfair treatment.

1. Utility: Which option creates the most good and least harm?

2. Rights: Which option respects each person’s rights?

3. Justice: Which option treats people fairly?

4. Care: Which option protects important relationships and vulnerable people?

No. Each approach focuses on a different moral concern.

-> A decision may produce good consequences but violate rights.

->Another decision may respect rights but distribute costs unfairly.

Good moral judgement considers all four approaches.

A strong moral decision should:

• maximize overall benefits;

• minimize harm;

• respect individual rights;

• distribute benefits and burdens fairly;

• protect important relationships.