Should there be Economic Justice?

I do believe that in order for a society to be called “JUST” there must be equal opportunity presented. Plato says that “justice is not mere strength, but it is a harmonious strength.” Justice is not the right of the stronger but the effective harmony of the whole”, (Plato, Republic).  When I say equal opportunity in a just society I mean that a society giving all individuals an opportunity to succeed or fail and upholding the civil rights of all persons.

The ethical school of thought I agree with is the school of deontology .The Idea of equal opportunity is ideal and as a society I believe that it should be our obligation to strive towards a society that provides equal opportunity to all individuals. Regardless of age, race, sex, religion, political association, ethnic origin, or any other individual or group characteristic. “The other limitation on our discussion is that for the most part I examine the principles of justice that would regulate a well-ordered society. Everyone is presumed to act justly and to do his part in upholding just institutions.” (John Rawls, A Theory of Justice)

Mills conception of utilitarianism is a teleological theory based on principal that focuses not on the character of an individual but the consequence of the action they perform. The action was good on the overall result if it created happiness or bad if it didn’t. “Actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness, wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness”. (John Stuart Mill, Utilitarianism). Mills also believed that man must remain humane and humanity is valuable. It is creditable to be a human being even by designing sensual pleasure. Men should seek higher and nobler or great pleasures. “It is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied; better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied.” (John Stuart Mill, Utilitarianism)

When it comes to utilitarianism I do consider some aspects to be acceptable in our society. Utilitarianism sees everyone as equal and should be treated the same. It does not focus on the happiness or benefits to one individual or particle groups of people. It focuses on the society in whole. Thank you for reading my post I hope it was clear and understanding.