Chapter 4: Social Justice
Source: NCERT Official Textbook
The chapter traces the historical evolution of justice from Plato’s examination in The Republic (where Socrates argues that justice involves the well-being of all people) to Immanuel Kant’s emphasis on human dignity.
It identifies three key principles of justice: Equal Treatment for Equals (non-discrimination and equal rights), Proportionate Justice (rewarding people according to effort, skill, and contribution), and Recognition of Special Needs (providing additional help to those with disabilities or disadvantages to ensure genuine equality).
A significant portion is devoted to John Rawls’ theory of justice, particularly his concept of the ‘veil of ignorance’ —the idea that fair principles of justice would be chosen if people did not know their own position in society. Rawls argues that rational self-interest under such conditions would lead people to protect the worst-off, making justice a matter of reason rather than benevolence.
The chapter then addresses practical questions of just distribution, including the debate between free markets (which emphasize merit and choice) and state intervention (necessary to ensure basic minimum conditions for all).
It discusses the challenges faced by developing countries like India in providing basic necessities—nourishment, housing, clean water, education, and minimum wage—and the ongoing political debates about the best methods to achieve social justice, from land reforms to reservations.
The chapter concludes by emphasizing that disagreements about justice are inevitable in democratic societies and that studying these principles helps us engage in informed debate and work toward a more compassionate and just society.
Topics Covered:
Section A: Descriptive Questions
- How is justice compared to love in the introduction of the chapter? (Pg. 1) Page 53
- According to Socrates, why should we be concerned about being just? (Pg. 2-3) Page 54-55
- Explain the principle of ‘treating equals equally’ with an example. (Pg. 3-4) Page 55-56
- What is meant by proportionate justice? Give an example. (Pg. 4) Page 56
- Why might treating everyone equally in all respects lead to an unequal society? (Pg. 5) Page 57
- What does social justice concern regarding the distribution of goods and services? (Pg. 7) Page 59
- Explain John Rawls’ concept of the ‘veil of ignorance’. (Pg. 8) Page 60
- What does a just society require regarding the basic minimum conditions of life? (Pg. 10) Page 62
- What is the debate between supporters of free markets and advocates of state intervention? (Pg. 11-13) Page 63-65
- (Exercise) What does it mean to give each person his/her due? How has this meaning changed over time? (Pg. 14) Page 66
- (Exercise) How does Rawls use the idea of a veil of ignorance to argue that fair and just distribution can be defended on rational grounds? (Pg. 14) Page 66
Section B1: Objective MCQs
In ancient Indian society, justice was associated with which concept? (Pg. 2)
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Reference: NCERT Page 54
According to the German philosopher Immanuel Kant, what do human beings possess? (Pg. 3)
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Reference: NCERT Page 55
If two persons perform the same work but receive different rewards based on their caste, this would be: (Pg. 4)
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Reference: NCERT Page 56
Which principle of justice involves taking into account special needs of people while distributing rewards or duties? (Pg. 4-5)
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Reference: NCERT Page 56-57
In India, the Constitution allowed for reservations for which groups? (Pg. 6)
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Reference: NCERT Page 58
According to the chapter, what did the Constitution abolish to promote social equality? (Pg. 7)
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Reference: NCERT Page 59
According to Rawls, thinking under a ‘veil of ignorance’ means: (Pg. 8)
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Reference: NCERT Page 60
What are generally considered basic minimum requirements for living a healthy and productive life? (Pg. 10)
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Reference: NCERT Page 62
Supporters of free markets argue that market distribution is just because it: (Pg. 12)
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Reference: NCERT Page 64
According to J.S. Mill, justice implies something which some individual can claim from us as: (Pg. 13)
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Reference: NCERT Page 65
Section B2: Factual One-Liners
In fourth century B.C. Athens, Plato discussed issues of justice in his book entitled ______. (Pg. 2) Page 54
Reveal Answer
Justice requires that we give due and equal consideration to all ______. (Pg. 3) Page 55
Reveal Answer
Equal treatment is not the only principle of justice; we also need the principle of ______ justice. (Pg. 4) Page 56
Reveal Answer
People with special needs or disabilities could be considered unequal in some particular respect and deserving of special ______. (Pg. 5) Page 57
Reveal Answer
Governments might have to harmonise different principles of justice to promote a ______ society. (Pg. 6) Page 58
Reveal Answer
Differences of opinion on distribution of resources sometimes provoke ______ in society. (Pg. 7) Page 59
Reveal Answer
Rawls argues that rational thinking, not ______, could lead us to be fair and judge impartially. (Pg. 10) Page 62
Reveal Answer
Providing basic conditions of life to all citizens is considered one of the responsibilities of a ______ government. (Pg. 10) Page 62
Reveal Answer
Critics argue that free markets tend to work in the interest of the strong, wealthy, and ______. (Pg. 13) Page 65