Final answer:
The essence of protecting the basic rights of the lesser while serving the greater good lies in balancing justice and liberty, as well as ensuring that any inequalities benefit the least advantaged in society. Philosophers like John Rawls have discussed this with principles that prioritize basic liberties and fair opportunities for all.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tenet behind the concept that the greater good can get what they want without stripping away the basic rights of the lesser involves a balance of justice, equality, and liberty. Philosophers like John Rawls contribute to this discussion with theories advocating for a system where basic liberties are fundamentally protected, while also ensuring that any social and economic inequalities benefit the least well-off members of society. This concept aligns with egalitarian theories which hold that all individuals deserve equal moral worth and rights. The challenge for societies and their legal systems is to find a point where the rights of the individual, no matter how minor, are preserved while serving broader societal interests, such as public safety in law enforcement practices.
Additionally, while addressing inequalities, the focus is not merely on equal distribution but also on ensuring fair opportunities and the welfare of those less advantaged. This consideration is critical in representative governments where even minority rights are safeguarded against the majority's will. The approach is to protect individual freedoms and improve the condition of the disadvantaged without worsening their plight, a principle seen in resolving conflicts where not all individuals are equal. Hence, a balance between individual rights and the responsibilities towards the greater good is vital to maintain social harmony and justice.