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Contents : Teach : Lesson 6
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Justice
A. Definition of Justice
- Justice is all about giving what is due to the person. For
example, if someone committed a crime, a matching punishment should
be given. On the other hand, a good deed deserves some credit or
perhaps a reward.
- It is important to note that justice should be fair to all
sides.
- Justice doesnt exactly mean equality. It is something
flexible depending on the current situation. (E.g. Food may be
distributed in equal shares, but some people may need more, while
some only need little.)
B. Elements of a Just World
- There should be a concern for basic needs. Needs such as food,
clothing and shelter should be identified to the right sector of
society.
- There should be equal and just distribution of goods.
- There should be concern for dignity. Each person, no matter how
rich or poor they are, deserve this basic form of respect. They are
still humans despite their place in the social ladder.
- There should be empowerment of the people. A just society
cannot be run solely by a dictator. Each person should have a hand
in making a decision because theyre the ones who will benefit
from the given action in the first place.
- There should be concern for solidarity.
- A quality of justice that breaks barriers between people must
be established. For example, in the eyes of the law ideally, money,
prestige and power shouldnt be a manipulating force in the
outcome of the decision. Being wealthy doesnt mean immunity
from justice.
- People must be working with and not working for the poor. To
work with the poor gives these people more dignity and respect for
themselves. They eventually learn how to stand up on their own
feet, instead of just supplying them with charity and alms that
makes them dependent for the rest of their lives.
- There should be concern for social structure. In a just
society, the social ladder is eventually blurred because everyone
treats each other as equals.
- There should be a community in which people can easily be good.
An atmosphere must be developed in the community, which shows an
aura of goodness. It serves as the basic mold for each
persons well being in society.
C. Kinds of Justice
- Commutative Justice: Its the common relationship between
individuals. It is a form of simple exchange or bargains between
people.
- Distributive Justice: Its the peoples relationship
with the government or any ruling body within the given community.
Its all about the fair and equal distribution of goods among
the people. It also handles the balance of benefits and burdens
within society.
- Social Justice: Its an individuals contribution to
the common good. They are based on the relationship between each
member of society to the entire community. Furthermore, its
also about ones responsibility and participation to
everyones well being.
- (see also Solutions: Justice)
Further Reading
- Economics lesson plans were based and adopted from Fr. Roberto
Yap's economics notes found in the Tulong Dunong Sourcebook and
Michael P. Todaro: Economics for a Developing World
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