📘 PSIR – Political Theory | Page 11 Concept of Justice (From Plato to Rawls and Beyond)
UPSC CSE Political Science & IR – Paper I Conceptual + Analytical + Mains-Oriented Notes | Shaktimatha Learning
1️⃣ What is Justice?
Justice refers to fairness, moral rightness and giving each person what is due.
It is central to political philosophy because it determines how power, rights and resources should be distributed.
2️⃣ Classical Theory – Plato
Justice means harmony.
- Each individual performing their proper function
- Three classes – Rulers, Auxiliaries, Producers
- Justice = Social order and balance
Criticism: Justifies hierarchy and elitism.
3️⃣ Aristotle – Distributive & Corrective Justice
- Distributive Justice → Based on merit
- Corrective Justice → Rectifying wrongs
Introduced proportional equality.
4️⃣ Liberal Theory – John Rawls
Justice as Fairness
- Original Position
- Veil of Ignorance
- Two Principles of Justice
Two Principles:
- Equal basic liberties
- Difference Principle – Inequality allowed only if it benefits least advantaged
Rawls bridges liberty and equality.
5️⃣ Libertarian Theory – Robert Nozick
Justice in acquisition, transfer and rectification.
- Minimal state
- No redistribution
- Taxation = forced labour
Criticism: Ignores structural inequality.
6️⃣ Marxist Theory
Justice under capitalism is illusion.
- Private property creates exploitation
- True justice requires classless society
“From each according to ability, to each according to need.”
7️⃣ Amartya Sen – Capability Approach
Justice is about expanding real freedoms.
- Focus on capabilities, not just income
- Development as freedom
Practical, comparative approach.
8️⃣ Types of Justice
- Distributive Justice
- Procedural Justice
- Corrective Justice
- Social Justice
- Economic Justice
9️⃣ Justice in Indian Constitution
Preamble guarantees:
- Social Justice
- Economic Justice
- Political Justice
DPSPs promote welfare state.
🔟 Comparative Summary
| Theorist | Idea of Justice | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Plato | Harmony | Social order |
| Aristotle | Proportional equality | Merit |
| Rawls | Fairness | Least advantaged |
| Nozick | Entitlement | Property rights |
| Marx | Classless justice | Economic equality |
| Sen | Capability | Human development |
1️⃣1️⃣ UPSC MAINS APPLICATION
Important Questions:
- “Justice as fairness is a reconciliation of liberty and equality.” Discuss.
- Compare Rawls and Nozick.
- Is social justice compatible with meritocracy?
- Critically evaluate capability approach.
Answer Writing Structure:
- Define justice
- Explain theoretical debates
- Compare thinkers
- Indian constitutional relevance
- Balanced conclusion
Justice is not charity. It is structural fairness built into the system.
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