Justice [Paperback]

Written by a group of distinguished philosophers, the Foundations of Philosophy Series aims to exhibit some of the main problems in the various fields of philosophy at the present stage of philosophical inquiry. This book is written from the viewpoint that although justice is the most important concept in political philosophy, it is also one of the most contested concepts in philosophy. Coverage begins with an overview of the concept of justice, arguing that justice is a vital part of political philosophy, which in turn is part of moral philosophy. The book outlines an objectivist view of moral philosophy, which holds that moral principles have universal validity. The material presents a philosophical map to navigate the plethora of confusing, competing theories and concepts regarding the importance of justice. The author distinguishes between formal and material concepts of justice and discusses the related issues of comparative/noncomparative justice and distributive versus commutative justice.

1. Introduction.

    The Circumstances of Justice.

    Justice and Moral Philosophy.

    Formal and Material Principles of Justice.

    Is Justice Comparative or Noncomparative?

    Law, Justice, and Equity.

    Democracy, Capitalism, and Distributive Justice.

    Status Disequilibrium.

2. The Classical Theory of Justice as Desert.

    The Classical Concept of Justice as Desert.

    Natural and Institutional Desert.

    The Bases for Desert.

    Merit and Desert.

    The Symmetry Argument.

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