Abstract

Equality, Inequality and Distributive Justice

It is widely accepted that distributive justice depends exclusively on the degree of equality or inequality without taking into account the process that caused this distribution. From the opposite point of view, distribution cannot be fair unless material and social positions are “deserved”. In this opinion, social inequality might be just in cases where opportunities are equally distributed and merits fairly rewarded. This theory, however, is demonstrated to be insufficient and partially inconsistent. In consequence, distributive justice is a kind of balance between equality and inequality. In order to find a reasonable compromise between equal opportunities and fair rewards, this balance must be determined on a case-by-case basis. Finally, the paper analyses whether social redistribution by government might be fair at all. But for lack of a higher-level decision criterion, this question cannot be definitively answered.