NCJ Number
138819
Date Published
1992
Length
348 pages
Annotation
The readings contained in this anthology defend and critique five contemporary conceptions of justice to facilitate critical evaluation: libertarian justice; socialist justice; welfare liberal justice, the contractarian perspective; welfare liberal justice, the utilitarian perspective; communitarian justice; and feminist justice.
Abstract
Each of these contemporary concepts of justice, all with certain features in common, considers its requirements as belonging to the domain of obligation rather than to the domain of charity. They differ about where to draw the line between obligation and charity. Each also is concerned about giving people what they deserve or rightfully should possess, yet disagree as to what people deserve or rightfully possess. The five conceptions appeal to different political ideals. The ultimate political ideals are liberty for the libertarian conception of justice, equality for the socialist conception of justice, a blend of liberty and equality for a welfare liberal conception of justice, the common good for the communitarian conception of justice, and androgyny for the feminist conception of justice. Each conception of justice and its historical roots are examined to determine which emerges as the most defensible concept. 338 notes