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Theories of Justice

The Egalitarian Theory of Justice

The Egalitarian Theory of Justice

The Egalitarian Theory of Justice is one of the most well-known theories of justice. This theory holds that all individuals should have equal access to resources and opportunities in society. Egalitarians believe that inequality is only justifiable if it benefits everyone, and that inequality that benefits only a few is unjust. This theory has been applied to many different areas of society, including education, healthcare, and taxation.

Equal Opportunity

One of the key arguments behind the Egalitarian Theory of Justice is the idea that everyone should be given an equal opportunity to succeed. This means that resources and opportunities should be distributed in such a way that everyone has an equal chance of achieving their goals. For example, under this theory, a person from a poor family should have the same opportunity to attend college as a person from a wealthy family. This principle of equal opportunity is seen as a cornerstone of the Egalitarian Theory of Justice.

The Difference Principle

Another important aspect of the Egalitarian Theory of Justice is the belief that society should prioritize the needs of the most disadvantaged members. This principle is known as the "difference principle." According to this principle, resources and opportunities should be distributed in such a way that they benefit the least advantaged members of society. This means that society should focus on reducing inequality and providing support to those who are struggling, rather than just focusing on overall economic growth or prosperity.

Egalitarianism is often criticized for being too idealistic and unrealistic. Critics argue that it is impossible to achieve perfect equality, and that attempts to do so would be detrimental to overall economic growth and prosperity. However, proponents of Egalitarianism argue that while perfect equality may not be possible, we should still strive to create a more equal society in which everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.

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