Social Justice
NCERT Solutions • Class 11 Political Theory • Chapter 4Concepts of Justice
1. What does it mean to give each person his/her due? How has the meaning changed over time?
Meaning: “Giving each his due” means ensuring that every individual receives what they deserve or what they are entitled to as human beings. It involves treating people with fairness and dignity.
Change over time:
Change over time:
- Ancient times (Plato/Aristotle): Justice was associated with Dharma or social order. “Due” meant performing one’s assigned duties in the social hierarchy (e.g., a king ruling, a worker working).
- Modern times (Kant/Rawls): The meaning has shifted to Human Rights. Today, “giving each his due” means acknowledging that every human being has inherent value and dignity. Therefore, they are “due” equal opportunities, basic rights, and the conditions necessary for development, regardless of their social status.
2. Discuss the three principles of justice outlined in the chapter. Explain with examples.
- Principle of Equal Treatment for Equals:
All individuals share a common humanity and deserve equal rights (e.g., right to vote, freedom of speech) and equal treatment under the law.
Example: A male teacher and a female teacher doing the same work must get the same salary. - Principle of Proportionality:
While basic rights are equal, rewards should sometimes be based on effort, skill, or danger involved. Treating everybody equally (even if one is lazy and one is hardworking) can be unjust.
Example: A student who scores 100/100 should get a higher grade than one who scores 30/100. A miner facing huge risks deserves higher pay than a desk clerk. - Principle of Recognition of Special Needs:
Society must take into account that some people are not in a position to compete on equal terms due to disability, age, or lack of access.
Example: Providing ramps for wheelchair users or scholarships for students from historically marginalized communities.
Debates on Justice
3. Does the principle of considering special needs conflict with the principle of equal treatment for all?
No, it does not necessarily conflict; rather, it extends the principle of equality.
Reason: The principle of “Equal Treatment” implies treating people as equals. However, if the starting points are vastly different (e.g., a sighted person vs. a visually impaired person), strictly “equal” treatment (giving them the same standard book) results in inequality (the blind person cannot read).
Considering special needs (providing Braille books) is a way to ensure that the outcome is fair and that the person with disability can actually enjoy equal opportunity. Thus, special needs provision is a method to achieve substantive equality rather than just formal equality.
Reason: The principle of “Equal Treatment” implies treating people as equals. However, if the starting points are vastly different (e.g., a sighted person vs. a visually impaired person), strictly “equal” treatment (giving them the same standard book) results in inequality (the blind person cannot read).
Considering special needs (providing Braille books) is a way to ensure that the outcome is fair and that the person with disability can actually enjoy equal opportunity. Thus, special needs provision is a method to achieve substantive equality rather than just formal equality.
4. How does Rawls use the idea of a ‘veil of ignorance’ to argue for fair distribution?
John Rawls’ Theory of Justice:
- The Thought Experiment: Rawls asks us to imagine we are designing a society from scratch, but we are behind a “Veil of Ignorance.” We do not know if we will be born rich or poor, talented or disabled, high caste or low caste.
- Rational Choice: In this state of ignorance, a rational person would fear the “worst-case scenario” (being born poor/disabled). Therefore, they would choose a system that benefits the worst-off members of society the most.
- Conclusion: This leads to fair rules where basic liberties are guaranteed for all, and inequalities are permitted only if they benefit the least advantaged (The Difference Principle). Rawls argues that fairness arises not from benevolence, but from rational self-interest under uncertainty.
State Responsibility
5. What are the basic minimum requirements for living a healthy and productive life? What is the government’s responsibility?
Basic Minimum Requirements:
Government’s Responsibility:
In a democratic state, it is the primary responsibility of the government to ensure these basic conditions. This is not charity but a right. The government must intervene through public services (schools, hospitals, ration shops) or redistribution of resources (taxes) to ensure that no citizen falls below this minimum threshold of dignity.
- Physical Security (Protection from harm).
- Food and clean drinking water.
- Shelter/Housing.
- Basic Education and Healthcare.
- Minimum income/livelihood opportunities.
Government’s Responsibility:
In a democratic state, it is the primary responsibility of the government to ensure these basic conditions. This is not charity but a right. The government must intervene through public services (schools, hospitals, ration shops) or redistribution of resources (taxes) to ensure that no citizen falls below this minimum threshold of dignity.
6. Which of the following arguments justifies state action to provide basic minimum conditions?
The most valid arguments are:
- (b) Providing all citizens with a basic minimum standard of living is one way of ensuring equality of opportunity.
Reason: Without basic health and education, a person cannot compete fairly for jobs or participate in society. - (d) Ensuring basic facilities… is a recognition of our shared humanity and a human right.
Reason: This frames the issue as a matter of right and dignity, which is the strongest foundation for social justice.