Equality, 600 words
.Define JUSTICE: Justice demands that we treat equals equally and unequals unequally. (just copy/paste the definition)
2. Give a general statement of the unfairness (or fairness) of the case. Best language to use:
X is being treated the same as Y
or
X is being treated differently from Y
3. Give some idea of who is doing the distribution of judgment in the case. (Be careful, a party being compared in the case cannot be the one doing the comparing.)
4. State whether equals should be treated equally or whether unequals should be treated unequally. Best language to use:
X should be treated the same as Y
or
X should be treated differently from Y
5. Give your criteria (can be more than one) for why equals should be treated equally or why unequals should be treated unequally.
6. Explain how your criteria fit.
7. COUNTERARGUMENT: Give an argument for the other side that
people would likely or have proposed.
8. Explain why your comparison fits better, and why it is ethically
Answer:
- JUSTICE: Justice demands that we treat equals equally and unequals unequally.
- General statement of unfairness or fairness: X is being treated differently from Y.
- Distributor of judgment: It is not specified in the prompt.
- Treatment of equals or unequals: X should be treated differently from Y.
- Criteria for treating equals unequally or unequals equally: There can be several criteria. One possible criterion for treating equals equally could be the principle of merit, where individuals are rewarded or recognized based on their achievements or contributions. One possible criterion for treating unequals unequally could be the principle of need, where individuals are given resources or opportunities based on their level of disadvantage or need.
- Explanation of how criteria fit: The principle of merit justifies treating equals equally because it rewards individuals based on their achievements, which is a fair and objective criterion. The principle of need justifies treating unequals unequally because it recognizes that individuals with greater disadvantages require more resources or support to achieve equality of opportunity.
- Counterargument: Some people may argue that treating unequals unequally is discriminatory or unfair, and that everyone should be treated the same regardless of their differences.
- Explanation of why the comparison fits better and why it is ethically justified: The principle of treating equals equally and unequals unequally is a fundamental aspect of justice that recognizes the diversity of human beings and the need to provide different opportunities or resources based on individual characteristics. While treating everyone the same may seem fair on the surface, it fails to account for the fact that different individuals have different needs, abilities, and circumstances. Treating unequals unequally is not discriminatory or unfair, but rather a necessary step towards achieving equality of opportunity and social justice.
