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.
In ancient Indian society, justice was associated with which concept? (Pg. 2)
According to the German philosopher Immanuel Kant, what do human beings possess? (Pg. 3)
If two persons perform the same work but receive different rewards based on their caste, this would be: (Pg. 4)
Which principle of justice involves taking into account special needs of people while distributing rewards or duties? (Pg. 4-5)
In India, the Constitution allowed for reservations for which groups? (Pg. 6)
According to the chapter, what did the Constitution abolish to promote social equality? (Pg. 7)
According to Rawls, thinking under a ‘veil of ignorance’ means: (Pg. 8)
What are generally considered basic minimum requirements for living a healthy and productive life? (Pg. 10)
Supporters of free markets argue that market distribution is just because it: (Pg. 12)
According to J.S. Mill, justice implies something which some individual can claim from us as: (Pg. 13)
In fourth century B.C. Athens, Plato discussed issues of justice in his book entitled ______. (Pg. 2) Page 54
Justice requires that we give due and equal consideration to all ______. (Pg. 3) Page 55
Equal treatment is not the only principle of justice; we also need the principle of ______ justice. (Pg. 4) Page 56
People with special needs or disabilities could be considered unequal in some particular respect and deserving of special ______. (Pg. 5) Page 57
Governments might have to harmonise different principles of justice to promote a ______ society. (Pg. 6) Page 58
Differences of opinion on distribution of resources sometimes provoke ______ in society. (Pg. 7) Page 59
Rawls argues that rational thinking, not ______, could lead us to be fair and judge impartially. (Pg. 10) Page 62
Providing basic conditions of life to all citizens is considered one of the responsibilities of a ______ government. (Pg. 10) Page 62
Critics argue that free markets tend to work in the interest of the strong, wealthy, and ______. (Pg. 13) Page 65
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