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Theories of Justice

The Communitarian Theory of Justice

The Communitarian Theory of Justice

The Communitarian Theory of Justice is a political and social philosophy that emphasizes the importance of community and social obligations. Communitarians believe that individuals should not be viewed as isolated beings with rights, but rather as members of a community with responsibilities to each other. According to this theory, justice is achieved when individuals fulfill their social obligations and contribute to the well-being of the community.

Importance of Shared Values

Communitarianism emphasizes the importance of shared values and traditions in creating a just society. This means that the values and norms of a community should be respected and preserved, and that individuals should work together to maintain them. For example, a communitarian might argue that it is important for members of a community to support local businesses, even if it means paying more than they would at a chain store, because doing so helps to strengthen the local economy and maintain the community's unique character.

Criticisms

One criticism of communitarianism is that it can be difficult to determine what the values and norms of a community are, and who gets to decide what they are. Additionally, some people argue that communitarianism can be overly restrictive, and that it can be used to justify discrimination against individuals who do not conform to the norms of the community. However, proponents of communitarianism argue that it offers a more holistic approach to justice that takes into account the needs and well-being of the entire community, rather than just the rights and interests of individuals.

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