📘 PSIR – Political Theory | Page 5 Concept of Justice (Classical to Contemporary Perspectives)
UPSC CSE Political Science & IR – Paper I Conceptual + Philosophical + Mains-Oriented Notes | Shaktimatha Learning
1️⃣ Why Justice is Central to Political Thought?
Justice is the foundation of political legitimacy. Every political system claims to deliver justice.
Justice answers three fundamental questions:
- Who gets what?
- On what basis?
- By what moral principle?
2️⃣ Plato – Justice as Harmony
In “The Republic”, Plato defined justice as harmony.
Justice exists when:
- Each class performs its proper function
- Reason rules over spirit and appetite
Thus, justice = structural order + moral balance.
Criticism: It justifies hierarchy.
3️⃣ Aristotle – Distributive & Corrective Justice
Distributive Justice: Allocation according to merit.
Corrective Justice: Rectifying wrongs and restoring balance.
Justice requires proportional equality, not absolute equality.
4️⃣ Utilitarian View – Bentham & Mill
Justice = Maximum happiness of maximum people.
Criticism:
- Minority rights may be ignored
- Can justify injustice for majority benefit
5️⃣ Marxist Perspective – Justice as Class Emancipation
Marx rejected abstract justice.
True justice requires:
- Abolition of exploitation
- End of capitalist domination
- From each according to ability, to each according to need
6️⃣ John Rawls – Justice as Fairness
Rawls transformed modern justice theory.
Original Position + Veil of Ignorance
- People design society without knowing their status
- Ensures fairness
Two Principles:
- Equal basic liberties
- Difference Principle (benefit least advantaged)
Rawls combines liberty and equality.
7️⃣ Robert Nozick – Entitlement Theory
Justice is about rightful acquisition and transfer.
State redistribution = violation of liberty.
Minimal state only.
8️⃣ Amartya Sen – Capability Approach
Justice is not just distribution of goods, but expansion of human capabilities.
- Health
- Education
- Freedom to choose life path
Sen shifts focus from resources → real opportunities.
9️⃣ Comparative Framework
| Thinker | Justice Defined As | Key Idea |
|---|---|---|
| Plato | Harmony | Functional order |
| Aristotle | Proportional equality | Merit-based distribution |
| Utilitarian | Maximum happiness | Majority welfare |
| Marx | Class emancipation | End exploitation |
| Rawls | Fairness | Benefit least advantaged |
| Nozick | Entitlement | Minimal state |
| Amartya Sen | Capability expansion | Real freedoms |
🔟 Justice in Indian Context
- Social Justice (Reservation)
- Economic Justice (Welfare schemes)
- Political Justice (Universal franchise)
Indian Constitution integrates liberty + equality + justice.
📌 UPSC MAINS APPLICATION
Probable Questions:
- “Critically examine Rawls’ theory of justice.”
- “Compare Rawls and Nozick.”
- “Discuss Plato’s conception of justice.”
- “Explain Amartya Sen’s capability approach.”
Answer Structure:
- Define justice
- Classical theory
- Modern theory
- Contemporary critique
- Indian relevance
- Balanced conclusion
Justice is not merely lawfulness — it is moral legitimacy of power.
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