Final answer:
Social justice is the equitable distribution of opportunities, resources, and rights within a society. It encompasses various theories from prominent figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, Plato, Marx, and John Rawls, each providing different perspectives on what constitutes a just society.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Social Justice
Social justice refers to the fair and equitable distribution of opportunities, resources, and rights within society. It emphasizes the idea that everyone deserves an equal chance to achieve prosperity and to be treated with dignity and respect. The concept has evolved over time, taking shape through various theories and philosophies that define how societies should function to ensure justice for all.
Martin Luther King Jr.'s stance on social justice identified the interconnected nature of societal issues like racism, poverty, and militarism, advocating for a comprehensive approach to remedying social ills. Meanwhile, Mahatma Gandhi's influence on social justice was through a lens of non-violence, with a focus on the individual's duties as much as their rights, and the vision of a society that ensures economic as well as political freedom.
Different theories such as Plato's Theory of Justice and Marxist ideals contribute to the broad spectrum of social justice. These theories range from the utilitarian perspective of maximizing social welfare to the libertarian view that prioritizes individual liberty. John Rawls's concept of the 'veil of ignorance' is significant in the discussion of social justice, as it encourages a society where decisions are made without the knowledge of one's position, thus supporting fairness.
The notion of distributive justice ties into social justice through the debate of how goods and services are apportioned within a society, raising questions about how to balance individual effort and societal welfare. This leads to the overarching philosophical question: Who gets what?