Ethics

Ethics Study Guide Just distribution can be determined by the rules followed in determining a distribution, or by the final outcome. A fair procedure might result in an unfair distribution, or a fair outcome could result from unjust procedures. In A Theory of Justice , John Rawls stated that luck determines one’s birthplace, social status, and family influences and should not unduly influence the amount of benefits we receive in life. He felt that the goal of distributive justice is to limit the influence of luck so that goods might be distributed in a way that is equally fair and to everyone’s advantage. Rawls had two main principles of justice: The Liberty Principle and the Difference Principle, which also contain the Fair Opportunity Principle. Rawls believed that his two principles would promote impartiality , meaning that special privilege would not be given to any party. He found the lack of impartiality a flaw in utilitarianism, claiming that utilitarian beliefs mistook impersonality for impartiality. For others, distributive justice must be a matter of both process and outcome. They believe that in order for people to feel that they have received a fair outcome, the processes of distribution must be fair. In this way, distributive justice is related to concerns about procedural justice. Retributive justice is founded in the notions of merit and desert, or the idea that people should receive what they deserve. This means that people who work hard deserve the rewards, while those who break the rules deserve to be punished. In addition, people deserve to be treated in the same way they choose to treat others. Wrongdoing is seen as a loss of benefits to someone who was entitled to them, and a gain of benefits to someone who is undeserving. The wrongdoer owes a debt to fellow citizens that will be repaid with punishment. Retributive justice is, in this way, backward-looking. Punishment acts to reinforce rules that have been broken, balance the scales of justice, and restore both victim and offender to their appropriate positions relative to each other. Procedural justice is concerned with making and implementing decisions according to fair processes, because fair procedures are the best guarantee for fair outcomes. People are more willing to accept outcomes they do not like if they feel the procedures used were respectful and dignified. Procedures are deemed fair if: 1. There is an emphasis on consistency. Fair procedures should guarantee that like cases are treated alike. 2. Those carrying out the procedures are impartial and neutral. Those directly affected by the decisions should have a voice and representation in the process. This is especially important for weaker parties whose voices often go unheard. 3. The processes that are implemented are transparent. Decisions should be reached through open procedures, without secrecy or deception. ©2018 Achieve Page 52 of 116