Proportionate Justice
In examining justice, the balance between equal treatment and proportionate rewards is crucial. Justice requires more than merely treating everyone the same; it necessitates recognizing the quality and effort behind actions.
The section discusses how equal treatment can sometimes yield unjust outcomes, using the example of grading students where everyone receiving the same marks could be deemed unfair. Thus, rewarding individuals based on their effort and skills can promote a more equitable society.
While equal treatment is a foundational principle in modern justice systems, it's not the only one. Proportionate justice suggests that individuals should receive rewards that reflect their contributions and efforts, especially in professions where the nature of work varies considerably.
The text underscores that special considerations must be made for individuals with unique needs or challenges, such as disabilities. Providing different levels of support or resources can further social justice by ensuring that everyone, regardless of innate or external differences, has the opportunity to succeed.
Ultimately, achieving social justice requires governments to carefully navigate between treating individuals equally, recognizing varying contributions, and providing special support to those in need.