Final answer:
Views of justice based on freedom, welfare, and virtue present unique perspectives within distributive justice, each with its tradeoffs between liberty, equality, and justice. Personal values often dictate which view resonates more with an individual, and the perceived weakness of each approach is subjective and context-dependent.
Step-by-step explanation:
Comparing Views of Justice
When discussing justice concerning freedom, welfare, and virtue, we find distinct perspectives within the philosophy of distributive justice. The challenge is the tradeoff between liberty, equality, and justice. Justice based on freedom emphasizes individual autonomy and the ability to pursue one's own goals without undue interference. In contrast, justice based on welfare focuses on ensuring that everyone's basic needs are met, advocating for resource allocation based on need.
Justice based on virtue stresses moral excellence and the development of human character as the foundation of a just society. A critical analysis may find that justice based on freedom could lead to significant inequalities, as not everyone begins from the same starting point in society. On the other hand, emphasizing welfare might restrict personal freedoms in the interest of supporting the collective good. Still, it seeks to improve the position of the least well-off, aligning with John Rawls' theory of justice, which values both human freedom and social welfare.
Tradeoffs Between Democratic Ideals
Political scientists and economists acknowledge that tradeoffs exist among liberty, equality, and justice, as implementing one ideal in its purest form can at times infringe upon the others. For instance, achieving perfect equality might require limiting the liberty of some individuals, while absolute freedom could lead to inequities that conflict with notions of justice.
These ideals can coexist, though not in their most extreme forms without tradeoffs. Maintaining a balance that reasonably satisfies all three is a challenge every society faces. The tension between these principles is what triggers extensive debate in political philosophy and public policy. Each view has its strengths and weaknesses, and the most fitting approach often depends on the specific societal goals and cultural values.
Personal Reflection
As for personal appeal, one might resonate more strongly with a particular perspective based on individual values. Some might find the focus on liberty to be the most important, as it underscores the importance of personal autonomy. Others might prioritize welfare or virtue as leading to a more equitable or morally upright society, respectively. The least strong view is subjective, as it would depend on one's priorities and the context within which they consider the issue.