Final answer:
The principle of equality in justice, discussed in social philosophy, is embodied by John Rawls' Principle of Justice or Principle of Equality, which includes the concepts of equal basic liberties and the Difference Principle, aiming to ensure that all members of society are treated with equal respect and that structural inequalities are addressed.
Step-by-step explanation:
The principle of equality in justice is often discussed in the context of social philosophy and is referred to as the Principle of Justice or the Principle of Equality. Philosopher John Rawls is known for his contribution to this field with his Theory of Justice, which includes two key principles:
- Equal basic liberties - Each person has an equal right to a comprehensive system of equal basic liberties compatible with a similar system of liberty for all.
- Social and economic inequalities - These should be arranged to satisfy two conditions: (a) they should be attached to positions open to all under conditions of fair equality of opportunity, and (b) they must benefit the least advantaged members of society.
Equality in this context does not necessarily mean having the same amount of material goods, but instead refers to the notion that any legitimate system of government should treat all individuals with equal respect and moral worth, and the structure of society should be such that it addresses structural inequalities as effectively as possible. Rawls' theory shares much with egalitarianism, which emphasizes that all individuals deserve equal rights and moral consideration.
In the realm of distributive justice, Rawls' Difference Principle is significant. It suggests that inequalities are permissible only if they result in compensatory benefits for the least advantaged members of society. Thus, the Difference Principle is also a principle of distributive justice, as it aims to ensure that any social or economic disadvantages are minimized.