Distributive justice
Political philosophy and normative economics
It studies principles for distributing the benefits and burdens of social cooperation.
Historical context
Modern debates over distributive justice include principles of equality, need, desert, liberties, and opportunities.
Overview
Giving two people the same amount can offer very different opportunities if their needs differ. The example calls for deciding whether to distribute goods, capabilities, or some other advantage.
Main claims
A distributive principle must specify what is distributed, among whom, and by what standard.
Debates and nuances
Theories disagree on what to distribute and the roles of need, desert, and opportunity.
This entry provides educational context.