CBSE Class 11 Political Theory Chapter 4: Social Justice NCERT Solutions

To give each person his/her due means to assure the well-being of individuals and to grant equal importance to all people. Just as a doctor is concerned with the health and well-being of their patients, a just society or a just government ensures the well-being of its citizens.

Over time, the understanding of "giving each his due" has evolved significantly:

1. Historical Context: Ideas about justice have been integral throughout history, with thinkers like Plato offering early perspectives. However, the contemporary understanding has moved beyond these initial concepts.
2. Focus on Human Potential: Modern debates emphasize what is due to each person simply by virtue of being human. This includes providing opportunities for individuals to develop their full potential and pursue their chosen goals in life.
3. Equal Consideration: Justice today requires giving due and equal consideration to all individuals, recognizing their inherent worth and rights.

In essence, the concept has shifted from potentially more rigid or status-based notions to a broader understanding centered on human dignity, opportunity, and equal consideration for all.

The chapter outlines three key principles that contribute to an understanding of justice:

1. Principle of Treating Equals Equally:

   This principle asserts that individuals who share certain characteristics as human beings should be treated equally and be granted equal rights. This includes civil rights, such as the right to life and liberty, and political rights, like the right to vote, enabling participation in political processes. Crucially, this principle demands that people should not face discrimination based on class, caste, race, or gender. For instance, if two individuals perform the same task with the same capabilities, they should receive the same salary. Discriminating by paying male teachers more than female teachers for the same work, based on gender, would be unjust according to this principle.

2. Proportionate Justice:

   While equal treatment is vital, it's not always sufficient. Sometimes, treating everyone the same, even from an equal starting line, can lead to unjust outcomes. Proportionate justice suggests that rewards should be distributed in proportion to the scale and quality of an individual's effort. For example, although people should get the same reward for the same work, it is considered fair to reward different kinds of work differently if factors like the required skill level, the effort involved, or the potential dangers of the job are taken into account. This principle balances the idea of equality with recognition of varying contributions and demands.

3. Recognition of Special Needs:

   A third principle of justice involves a society taking into account the special needs of individuals when distributing rewards or assigning duties. This is considered a way to promote social justice. For example, people with physical disabilities, the elderly, or those lacking access to good education or healthcare might be considered unequal in certain respects and thus deserving of special assistance. In India, historical and ongoing social discrimination, often linked to caste, exacerbates lack of access to education and healthcare. Consequently, the Constitution provides for reservations in government jobs and educational institutions to support deprived groups, recognizing their special needs arising from systemic disadvantages.

The principle of considering the special needs of people does not necessarily conflict with the principle of equal treatment for all; rather, it can be seen as a necessary complement to achieve social justice.

1. Promoting Social Justice: Recognizing and addressing the special needs of certain groups is a way to promote social justice. While the principle of equal treatment applies to those who are equal in relevant aspects, justice may require differential treatment for those who are not equal in certain important respects.
2. Addressing Inequality: People with special needs, such as those with disabilities or those facing systemic disadvantages (like lack of access to education or healthcare due to social discrimination based on caste), may require special assistance and particular respect. Treating them differently in specific ways is not a contradiction but a means to ensure they have a fairer chance to develop and participate in society.
3. Constitutional Provisions: In India, for instance, the Constitution makes provisions for reservations in government jobs and educational institutions for deprived sections of society. This is a practical application of recognizing special needs to counteract historical disadvantages and promote greater equality.

Therefore, when the goal is to achieve a more equitable and just society, recognizing and acting upon the special needs of individuals is often a mandate for justice, and it can coexist with, and even enhance, the principle of equal treatment for all by ensuring a more level playing field.

John Rawls, in his theory of justice, uses the concept of the 'veil of ignorance' as a thought experiment to establish rational grounds for a fair and just distribution of societal resources and opportunities.

1. The Original Position: Rawls asks us to imagine ourselves in an 'original position' where we must decide on the principles that will govern our society. The crucial element here is the 'veil of ignorance'.
2. The Veil of Ignorance: This veil prevents us from knowing specific facts about ourselves and our future place in society. We do not know our social status (rich or poor, privileged or disadvantaged), our caste, race, gender, natural talents, or conception of the good life. We are essentially ignorant of our own identity and circumstances.
3. Rational Self-Interest: Rawls argues that if we are in this state of ignorance, we would act out of rational self-interest to choose principles that are fair to everyone. Since we don't know if we will be born into a position of advantage or disadvantage, we would want to ensure that even the least advantaged members of society are protected and have their basic needs met. We would want to establish rules that are fair regardless of the position we eventually occupy.
4. Just Principles: Consequently, Rawls suggests that rational individuals behind the veil of ignorance would agree on principles such as equal basic liberties for all and that social and economic inequalities should be arranged so that they are both (a) reasonably expected to be to everyone's advantage (the difference principle) and (b) attached to positions and offices open to all (fair equality of opportunity).

Thus, the veil of ignorance provides a method for ensuring impartiality and rationality in choosing principles of justice, leading to a defense of fair and just distribution based on reasoned agreement rather than self-serving bias.